How to pronounce toughness
Say it like TUHF-nus. Toughness has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TUHF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce toughness. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TUHF
- nus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Toughness pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TUHFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- nusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of toughness
American and British speakers say toughness in essentially the same way: /ˈtʌfnəs/ in the US and /ˈtʌfnəs/ in the UK.
British respelling: TUHF-nus.
What does toughness mean?
- Resistance to fracture when stressed, or the degree of such resistance.
- Fortitude; hardiness; mettle.
- A formidable difficulty.
Where does toughness come from?
From Middle English toughnesse, towghnesse, towghenesse, equivalent to tough + -ness.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with toughness
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of toughness.
Questions about saying toughness
How do you pronounce toughness?
Say TUHF-nus. The American pronunciation is /ˈtʌfnəs/. In British English it is /ˈtʌfnəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in toughness?
Toughness has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TUHF). Broken into parts: TUHF · nus.
Do Americans and Brits say toughness the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈtʌfnəs/ and the British form is /ˈtʌfnəs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.