Tougher: meaning, definitions and examples

Repeated: See the first entry for 'tougher'.

Appropriate when something is demanding in terms of intelligence, skill, or abilities, often carrying a sense of personal growth or improvement.

• This new project at work is more challenging but also more rewarding
• Learning a new language can be more challenging than you might think

Used when something requires more effort, energy, or skill. Often describes tasks or activities.

• This math problem is harder than the last one
• Training for the marathon is getting harder each week

Refers to something that is more rigid or difficult to manipulate, can be used figuratively to mean strict or uncompromising.

• The new regulations are much stiffer
• She felt stiffer after her long run

Typically used when comparing the strength or difficulty level of tasks, situations, or materials.

• This week's workout was tougher than last week's.
• The new material is tougher and can withstand more pressure.

Refers to someone or something that can recover quickly from difficult conditions or situations.

• Children can be very resilient to changes.
• The resilient fabric can return to its original shape after being stretched.

Describes a person who has made a firm decision and is not willing to change it, showing strong willpower to achieve something.

• She was determined to complete the marathon despite the pain.
• He is determined to get a promotion this year.

Used to describe someone who is unwilling to change their opinions or behavior, often seen as a negative trait in certain contexts due to its inflexibility.

• Her uncompromising stance on the issue made negotiations difficult.
• He is known for his uncompromising attitude in business.