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
If the business-casual look is par for the course in American politics, it’s less common across the pond, and was evidently intended to signal a tough-minded reset.
From Salon ● May 12, 2026
The authorities say it was an accident, but Isaiah’s neighbor—a taciturn, tough-minded 37-year-old woman named Smilla—suspects foul play.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 12, 2025
Filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn’s nail-biter owes some of its tough-minded minimalism to Walter Hill’s 1978 “The Driver,” though when your style is this confident, the result transcends all predecessors.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 14, 2024
In many ways she was as cool and competent as Henry; tough-minded and solitary in her habits, and in many ways as aloof.
From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
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.
