least robust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least robust" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is the weakest or most fragile in a comparison of strength or durability. Example: "Among the various models tested, the one with the least robust design failed to meet the required standards."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

But for all models, even for the least robust Models 1 and 2, robustness increases with increasing Hill exponent, and is always smaller than CVuni.

BMC Systems Biology

Their structures tend to be the least robust".

The New York Times

Electricity was more expensive in New York than in the other states, at least as of 1998, and construction of everything except housing was the least robust.

The New York Times

Dan Anderson, who runs a consultancy that advises tourist attractions and similar destinations, said the business plan for the proposed 367-metre link across the Thames was possibly the least robust he had seen in 20 years in the industry.

The Guardian

Classification tree analysis provided the least robust model performance.

Landscape and Urban Planning

This seems to be the least robust of the applications but still worth a mention.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

‡OLS, ordinary least squares; robust st err, robust standard error; CI, confidence interval; R, relative predictive power of model; SF-12, SF-12v2 Health Survey; min, minutes of time.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

ℓ is at least as robust as (or more robust than) a treelet with i.d.

Bioinformatics

We empirically used 0.6 as the cutoff value of membership robustness and took any cluster with at least five robust members to define the gene signature.

BMC Medical Genomics

The exceptions are, typically, the endorsements from those politicians who still do have a machine — or at least a robust activist and fundraising operation — that can be employed on the endorsee's behalf.

The New Yorker

"Chrysler is the least financially robust at this time," Mr. King said at a news conference after U.A.W. leaders from plants across the country had agreed to present the deal to rank-and-file members for ratification.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing multiple systems or models, use "least robust" to pinpoint the one most susceptible to failure or errors under varying conditions.

Common error

While "least robust" is technically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "weakest" or "most fragile" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least robust" functions as a superlative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that it possesses the minimum level of robustness compared to others in the same category. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

76%

News & Media

21%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "least robust" is a superlative adjective phrase used to identify the weakest or most unreliable entity within a group. Predominantly used in scientific and formal contexts, the phrase serves to highlight comparative weaknesses, aiding in analysis and decision-making. While grammatically sound, it's important to consider the formality of the context, opting for simpler alternatives in casual settings. As per Ludwig's analysis, the phrase is correctly and frequently used, emphasizing its reliability in formal writing and technical discussions. It is key to distinguish it from "less robust", ensuring accurate communication regarding comparative strength.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most fragile

Focuses specifically on the characteristic of being easily broken or damaged, highlighting physical weakness.

most vulnerable

Emphasizes susceptibility to harm or attack, suggesting a lack of protection.

weakest

A straightforward term indicating a lack of strength or power, applicable in various contexts.

most unstable

Highlights a lack of steadiness and a tendency to change or fail unpredictably.

most susceptible

Indicates a high likelihood of being affected by something negative, such as a disease or influence.

most delicate

Suggests fragility and the need for careful handling, often implying a risk of damage.

most flimsy

Emphasizes a lack of solidity and strength, often referring to physical construction.

most unreliable

Focuses on the inability to be consistently depended upon, highlighting unpredictability.

least durable

Highlights the quality of not being able to last for a long time without damage or wear.

most compromised

Focuses on the state of being weakened or impaired, often implying a loss of integrity or function.

FAQs

How can I use "least robust" in a sentence?

You can use "least robust" to describe something that is the weakest or most fragile compared to others. For instance, "Among the different options, this model proved to be the "least robust" during stress testing".

What are some alternatives to "least robust"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "most fragile", "weakest", or "most vulnerable".

Is it correct to say "less robust" instead of "least robust"?

"Less robust" implies a comparative degree of weakness between two items, while "least robust" identifies the single weakest item among three or more.

What does "robust" mean and how does it relate to "least robust"?

"Robust" means strong and healthy or unlikely to break or fail. Therefore, "least robust" describes the item or system that possesses the fewest of these qualities compared to others.