robust
/rəʊˈbʌst/- 1.
Strong, healthy, and full of energy. Used to describe a person or living thing that is in very good physical condition.
- Despite her age, she remains remarkably robust and active.
- The puppy grew into a robust, energetic dog.
- Years of outdoor work gave him a robust constitution.
- 2.
Strong and able to perform well under pressure or difficult conditions. Used to describe systems, processes, plans, economies, or arguments that are unlikely to fail.
- We need a robust strategy before entering the new market.
- The company reported robust growth in the third quarter.
- The report made a robust case for increasing the budget.
Adinary Nuance
Robust sits in a cluster with strong, sturdy, resilient, and solid — but each has its own lane. "Strong" is the most general; you can call almost anything strong. "Robust" specifically suggests something that has been tested and holds up well under pressure or stress. "Sturdy" tends to stay in physical contexts (a sturdy table, a sturdy build), while "robust" moves easily into abstract or professional language — a robust argument, a robust economy. "Resilient" focuses on recovering after a setback; "robust" implies you were never badly shaken in the first place. In business English, "robust" carries a polished, confident tone — writers reach for it in reports and presentations precisely because it sounds more impressive and specific than simply saying "strong."
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- vững chắc
- Spanish
- robusto
- Chinese
- 稳健
- Japanese
- 丈夫
- Korean
- 견고한
Etymology
From Latin "robustus," meaning oak-like or solid in strength, derived from "robur" (oak tree; hardness). The word entered English in the mid-16th century, carrying the sense of hardened, enduring toughness.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'robust' formal or informal?
- It leans formal. It is very common in business reports, news articles, and professional presentations. In casual conversation, most people would just say 'strong' or 'solid' instead.
- What is the difference between 'robust' and 'resilient'?
- 'Resilient' means something bounces back after a problem — it implies recovery. 'Robust' means something is built strongly enough that it resists failing in the first place. A robust plan doesn't easily break; a resilient team recovers quickly when it does.
- Can 'robust' describe a person?
- Yes, but usually in terms of physical health or energy — 'a robust constitution' or 'a robust appetite.' You would not normally call someone's personality 'robust.' For professional qualities, 'robust' describes their arguments or methods, not the person directly.
- Is 'robust' overused in business English?
- Many writing coaches would say yes — it has become a buzzword in corporate reports and presentations. It is still correct and useful, but if you use it too often in one document, consider replacing some instances with 'strong,' 'solid,' or 'reliable.'