What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
roughness
Example
The roughness of the sandpaper made it perfect for smoothing out the wood. [roughness: noun]
Example
She felt the roughness of the bark as she ran her hand over the tree trunk. [roughness: noun]
toughness
Example
The toughness of the leather made it ideal for making durable boots. [toughness: noun]
Example
He showed his toughness by completing the marathon despite the injury. [toughness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Toughness is more commonly used than roughness in everyday language. Toughness is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while roughness is less common and more specific in its application.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between roughness and toughness?
Both roughness and toughness can be used in both formal and informal contexts, with no significant difference in formality between the two words.
