Robust
adjective /rəʊˈbʌst/ — Strong enough to handle pressure — built to hold under the weight of real conditions.
Definition
Strong and healthy; vigorous; (of a system or object) able to withstand or overcome adverse conditions; sturdy and reliable under strain.
Beyond the definition
Robust is the opposite of fragile — a word for things that don't just survive difficulty but are built for it. A robust argument holds under examination. A robust person holds under pressure. The word carries a satisfying solidity.
Origin & history
From Latin robustus — made of oak, hard, strong (from robur: oak, strength). The hardest European wood used for its durability. Something robust has oak's staying power.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The system proved robust under stress — every edge case they'd worried about, it handled.
She built a robust argument — not just convincing but survivable: she'd already considered and answered every objection.
A robust constitution doesn't mean you never get sick; it means you recover.
How to use it
This entry uses an adjective. Follow the examples for the nouns it describes and its position in the sentence.
Choose “Robust” when the meaning fits your context: Strong and healthy; vigorous; (of a system or object) able to withstand or overcome adverse conditions; sturdy and reliable under strain.
Synonyms
strong, sturdy, resilient, durable, solid, vigorous
Antonyms
fragile, weak, brittle, delicate
Related words
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Plant growing through stone crack
A vibrant green shoot grows through a jagged crack in a marble floor, with a discarded compass nearby.
The plant’s ability to thrive in a harsh environment demonstrates strength and vigor. This illustrates a robust system capable of withstanding adverse conditions and persisting despite the strain of its surroundings.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Robust" mean?
Robust is adjective meaning: Strong enough to handle pressure — built to hold under the weight of real conditions.. Strong and healthy; vigorous; (of a system or object) able to withstand or overcome adverse conditions; sturdy and reliable under strain.
Where does the word "Robust" come from?
From Latin robustus — made of oak, hard, strong (from robur: oak, strength). The hardest European wood used for its durability. Something robust has oak's staying power.