Word
toughness
Phoneticstough·ness, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtəfnəs/
UK/tˈʌfnəs/
Definitions
01physical or mental strength
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the ability to deal with pain, difficulty, or hardship without giving up.
n. the quality of being strong enough to endure hardship or strain; psychological resilience or physical stamina.
“The marathon runner showed incredible toughness by finishing the race with a hurt leg.”
“The candidate's mental toughness was tested during the grueling three-day interview process designed to simulate high-pressure environments.”
Synonyms
02durability of a material
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the quality of being strong and difficult to break or tear.
n. the ability of a material to absorb energy and deform plastically without fracturing.
“The toughness of the leather makes it perfect for heavy-duty work boots.”
“Engineers selected this specific alloy for its exceptional fracture toughness, ensuring the bridge could withstand extreme thermal expansion.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the general property of a material.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03strictness or severity
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the quality of being very strict or firm about rules and behavior.
n. the quality of being uncompromising or severe in the enforcement of standards or discipline.
“The coach is known for his toughness, but his players always improve.”
“The administration's toughness on budget deficits led to significant cuts in public spending across all departments.”
Real-World Examples
“Aspergillus niger was one of five microbes, including bacteria and fungi, selected for this study because of its known toughness in spaceflight environments.” “The scene was as much about showing Rocky’s toughness as it was about making a protein-rich drink to become stronger.” Etymology
From Middle English toughnesse, towghnesse, towghenesse, equivalent to tough + -ness.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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