tough-minded
Americanadjective
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characterized by a practical, unsentimental attitude or point of view.
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strong-willed; vigorous; not easily swayed.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of tough-minded
First recorded in 1905–10
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In the 1970s, when they won their only two NBA titles, the Knicks were known as a "blue-collar, hard-working, tough-minded team," according to Adam Criblez, author of a book on the squad.
From Barron's ● Jun. 7, 2026
“Yeah. I mean, he’s obviously a tough-minded player and person,” Redick said.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 6, 2026
Thomas Perry’s tough-minded heroine Jane Whitefield has been the center of nine previous works of suspense.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 31, 2026
G DeShawn Harris-Smith, Maryland, 6-5, 215: Heralded as a tough-minded and fearless player, the stat-sheet stuffer from Woodbridge, Virginia, led his team to the state title last season.
From Washington Times ● Oct. 25, 2023
And I tell myself I'm proud of myself for being so mentally strong, so tough-minded.
From "Things Not Seen" by Andrew Clements
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
