The word that rhymes with “tough” and also means a difficult or challenging situation is rough.
Here’s why:
Rhyme: “Tough” and “rough” have the same ending sound.
Meaning: “Rough” can describe a difficult or unpleasant experience or situation. For example:
“He’s going through a rough patch.”
“They had a rough time dealing with the storm.”
“The negotiations were rough.”
While other words might have a similar sound (like “enough”), “rough” is the closest rhyme that also shares the desired meaning of a difficult or challenging situation.