English Reference

Word

robust

Phoneticsro·bust, stress on the second syllable

US/ɹoʊˈbəst/

UK/ɹəʊbˈʌst/

Definitions

01strong and healthy

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. strong and healthy in a physical way.

adj. possessing or showing physical strength and good health.

“He remained robust well into his eighties, still walking several miles every morning.”

“The study followed a group of robust centenarians to determine which lifestyle factors contributed most to their enduring physical vitality.”

Usage

Often used to describe elderly people who remain surprisingly active.

Antonyms

02durable or reliable

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. strong enough to work well even in difficult conditions.

adj. capable of withstanding adverse conditions or rough handling without failing.

“The hikers needed robust boots that could handle the rocky mountain paths.”

“The equipment was designed to be robust enough for use in extreme arctic temperatures where standard electronics often fail.”

Antonyms

03logical or successful

C1 · Advanced Academic

adj. strong and effective, like a plan, an economy, or an argument.

adj. strong and unlikely to be challenged or weakened; showing vigor and effectiveness.

“The company reported robust sales growth despite the difficult economy.”

“The researcher presented a robust defense of her theory, citing several peer-reviewed studies that supported her initial findings.”

Antonyms

04computing/systems

C1 · Advanced Computing Technical

adj. describes a computer program or system that does not crash easily.

adj. able to continue functioning despite errors, unexpected input, or partial failure.

“We need a more robust system to handle the high volume of traffic on our website.”

“The software architecture is remarkably robust, maintaining core functionality even when several external API dependencies are unavailable.”

Synonyms

stablefault-tolerant

Antonyms

05statistics

C2 · Proficiency Mathematics Technical

adj. describes a result that stays accurate even if some data is slightly wrong.

adj. yielding valid results even when the underlying assumptions of a statistical model are violated.

“The findings are robust across different groups of people.”

“The statistical test is robust to non-normality, making it a reliable choice for analyzing this specific dataset.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

06rough or rude

C2 · Proficiency Humorous · Formal

adj. used as a polite way to say someone is a bit loud, rough, or lacks manners.

adj. used euphemistically to describe behavior that is coarse, blunt, or lacking in refinement.

“He has a rather robust sense of humor that not everyone appreciates.”

“The debate was characterized by a robust exchange of views that occasionally bordered on the personal.”

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “robust” in context.

01. robust evidence 02. robust evidence functional 03. robust fundamental 04. robust greater 05. robust important 06. robust increasing 07. robust integral 08. robust key 09. robust larger 10. robust leading 11. robust limited 12. robust major

Real-World Examples

“The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said growth had "remained relatively robust", with the UK ahead of other G7 countries for growth this year so far.”
BBC News 13 Aug 2026
“This can feel like a loss when compared with other fighting games with robust solo options, including other Arc System Works efforts.”
The Guardian 12 Aug 2026

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Latin rōbustus.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

ADJECTIVE

robust(C1)

Domains

AnthropologyStatisticsZoology

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Frequent
Level
C1 · AdvancedOxford
Updated

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English Reference