1. having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships (Freq. 9) - hardy explorers of northern Canada - proud of her tall stalwart son - stout seamen - sturdy young athletes • Syn: hardy, stalwart, stout • Similar to: robust • Derivationally related forms: sturdiness, stoutness (for: stout), hardiness (for: hardy) 2. not making concessions - took an uncompromising stance in the peace talks - uncompromising honesty • Syn: uncompromising, inflexible • Ant: compromising (for: uncompromising) • Similar to: hard-line, hardline • Derivationally related forms: inflexibility (for: inflexible), sturdiness 3. substantially made or constructed - sturdy steel shelves - sturdy canvas - a tough all-weather fabric - some plastics are as tough as metal • Syn: tough • Similar to: rugged • Derivationally related forms: sturdiness