Words / C1

roh-BUST/rəʊˈbʌst/

Robust means strong and hard to damage: a robust case, robust health. Of results, a robust finding still stands if you tweak the method. Sturdy is everyday for objects; resilient (this batch) stresses bouncing back. Do not call a fragile argument robust because the font is bold.

Meaning

Strong and not easily damaged; of an argument, able to stand attack.

Examples

• “The conclusion is not robust if one outlier can wreck it.”
• “Drop one outlier and see whether the conclusion is still robust.”
• “A robust laptop survived the field trip; a robust claim survives a rival spreadsheet.”

Good to know

Strong; of findings, still true after a tweak. Everyday objects: sturdy. Cousin: resilient (recovers). Not “loud”.

Near in meaning

strong

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