tough
adjective
strong and durable; not easily broken or cut.
tougher
-
comparativeof tough.comparative
The form of an adjective or adverb indicating a greater degree of a quality.
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.
With the S&P 500 dividend yield near generational lows, chasing income in the stock market is getting tougher.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026
But although the seasonal calendar points to a tougher period for stocks, NDR said cautious investor sentiment, improving market breadth and stock-favoring asset-allocation models suggest there isn’t enough evidence yet to turn bearish.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 4, 2026
Postpandemic ticket prices have fallen 5.3% in real terms to keep theaters filled, and producers are finding it tougher to balance the books.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 2, 2026
“In fact, the legal threat is much greater in the U.K. because the libel laws are tougher in the U.K. So there was no fear around putting it out in the U.S.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 31, 2026
Bars can also be tougher for a power gymnast, which I definitely was, because power gymnasts are used to controlling the apparatus instead of letting it control them.
From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles
