tough-minded

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

“What IBM needs right now is a series of very tough-minded, market-driven, highly effective strategies in each of its businesses.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 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