What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tough
Example
The exam was tough, but I managed to pass it. [tough: adjective]
Example
She's a tough athlete who never gives up. [tough: noun]
Example
It's tough to make a decision when there are so many options. [tough: adjective]
tricky
Example
The math problem was tricky, but I finally solved it. [tricky: adjective]
Example
It's a tricky situation, and we need to be careful how we proceed. [tricky: adjective]
Example
Playing the piano can be tricky, especially for beginners. [tricky: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tough is more commonly used than tricky in everyday language. Tough is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while tricky is less common and tends to be used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tough and tricky?
Both tough and tricky are informal words that can be used in casual conversations. However, tough can also be used in formal contexts to describe a challenging situation or problem.
