Material toughness refers to a material's ability to absorb energy and deform without breaking. It combines strength and ductility, allowing a material to withstand stress and strain. Tough materials can endure impacts and resist fracture, making them ideal for applications where durability is essential. Common examples of tough materials include steel and rubber. Engineers often assess toughness through tests like the Charpy impact test, which measures how much energy a material can absorb before failing. Understanding toughness is crucial in fields such as construction and manufacturing, where material selection directly affects safety and performance.