What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ruggedness
Example
The hikers struggled to climb the rugged terrain of the mountain. [ruggedness: noun]
Example
He had a rugged face with a thick beard and deep-set eyes. [rugged: adjective]
toughness
Example
She showed her toughness by finishing the marathon despite the blistering heat. [toughness: noun]
Example
The tough fabric of the backpack was able to withstand the harsh weather conditions. [tough: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Toughness is more commonly used than ruggedness in everyday language. Toughness is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ruggedness is less common and refers to specific physical attributes or terrain.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ruggedness and toughness?
Both ruggedness and toughness can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but toughness is more versatile and can be employed in a wider range of formality levels.
