ENGLISH
REFERENCE

robust

adj.
US //ɹoʊˈbəst// UK //ɹəʊbˈʌst// ro·bust
  1. 1 strong and healthy (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    strong and healthy in a physical way.

    possessing or showing physical strength and good health.

    Example

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

    Example

    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.
  2. 2 durable or reliable (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    strong enough to work well even in difficult conditions.

    capable of withstanding adverse conditions or rough handling without failing.

    Example

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

    Example

    The equipment was designed to be robust enough for use in extreme arctic temperatures where standard electronics often fail.
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  1. 3 logical or successful (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

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

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

    Example

    The company reported robust sales growth despite the difficult economy.

    Example

    The researcher presented a robust defense of her theory, citing several peer-reviewed studies that supported her initial findings.
  2. 4 computing/systems (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The software architecture is remarkably robust, maintaining core functionality even when several external API dependencies are unavailable.
  3. 5 statistics (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Math

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

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

    Example

    The findings are robust across different groups of people.

    Example

    The statistical test is robust to non-normality, making it a reliable choice for analyzing this specific dataset.
  4. 6 rough or rude (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Humorous Formal

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

Learned borrowing from Latin rōbustus.

Word family

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