tougher
word · lemma: tough
Definition
The comparative form of 'tough'; describes someone or something that is stronger, harder, or more difficult than another.
Usage & Nuances
'Tougher' is informal and used for objects (meaning harder or more durable), situations (meaning more difficult), or people (meaning stronger, more resilient). Don't confuse with 'harder' (sometimes means 'more physically solid', but 'tougher' adds emotional or enduring strength). Common collocations: 'tougher rules', 'tougher meat', 'life is getting tougher'.
Example Sentences
This test is tougher than the last one.
basic
The steak is tougher than I expected.
basic
My brother is tougher than me.
basic
Life has gotten a lot tougher since I moved to the city.
natural
If you want to succeed, you’ll need to be tougher than your challenges.
natural
The coach made the training tougher to prepare us for the finals.
natural