1. the quality of being physically strong and able to endure hardship or pain
2. the quality of being mentally or emotionally strong and determined
3. the quality of being difficult to break, cut, or damage

Examples

• The athlete’s mental toughness helped her win the championship.
• The material’s toughness makes it ideal for construction work.
• His physical toughness allowed him to complete the grueling hike.
• The coach’s toughness motivated the team to work harder.
• The diamond’s toughness makes it valuable for industrial cutting tools.
• She admired her grandmother’s emotional toughness during difficult times.
• The new policy reflects the administration’s toughness on crime.