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

“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

G DeShawn Harris-Smith, Maryland, 6-5, 215: Heralded as a tough-minded and fearless player, the stat-sheet stuffer from Woodbridge, Virginia, led his team to the state title last season.

From Washington Times • Oct. 25, 2023

“Nobody can change that much,” said Brinker in his new tough-minded way.

From "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles