B2adjectiveemotionswork
US/tʌf/
UK/tʌf/
difficult to do or deal with; also strong, strict, or hard to cut or chew
In context
It was a tough year for our family after my father lost his job.
The government is taking a tough line on drink driving.
This beef is too tough; I think you cooked it too long.
Words that go with tough
adjective + noun
- tough decisionChoosing between two good universities was a tough decision.
- tough timeShe's having a tough time at work at the moment.
- tough competitionSmall cafes face tough competition from big chains.
- tough questionThe interviewer asked me some tough questions about my last job.
- tough luckYou missed the deadline? Tough luck, I can't help.
adjective + preposition
- tough onThe new teacher is tough on students who arrive late.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The exam was really though.Correct: The exam was really tough.