robust

USAGE SUMMARY

"robust" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is strong and durable, or something that is vigorous and lively. For example, you could say "This organization has a robust set of policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's because if you actually have a robust board, it can be beneficial.

The New York Times

The repeated refusal of GPs, social housing officers and social security staff to act as immigration officers also means that if more robust residence tests are to be introduced for other EU nationals then an easy and authoritative way is needed of checking how long they have been in the country and what their immigration status is.

The Guardian

Cameron said: "We're going to make that assessment a real and robust one, and yes, it's going to include whether your ability to speak English is a barrier to work.

The Guardian

"The Act is robust and we have had 13 years of monitoring by animal welfare groups and Police Scotland without seeing the Scottish court system backed up with cases".

The Guardian

No commission chief has ever been appointed against the express and robust opposition of a big EU member state like Britain.

The Guardian

Most will know that the vessel they are being herded into stands at best an even chance in the robust Mediterranean swell.

The Guardian

The three options, Obama said, were to bomb the nuclear facilities and launch a third war in the Middle East, maintain the status quo and hope for the best, or seek "a robust and verifiable deal like this one that peacefully prevents Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon".

The Guardian

McBride, who has a reputation as a robust advocate, had previously acted for the club's manager at a high-profile disciplinary hearing before the Scottish FA.

The Guardian

"The current economic climate is very challenging for new house building in the short-term, but zero carbon homes, sustainable transport, a robust local economy and access to green space are all vital ingredients of new places fit for the 21st century.

The Guardian

But he is unabashed about his robust beliefs on the hidden imam.

The Guardian

And, since the bloodshed, support for France's robust defence strategy appears to have grown: according to an Ipsos poll in Le Monde last week, more than 50% of French people support foreign deployment, and 65% agree with active engagement in Syria against jihadism.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "robust" to describe systems, policies, or economies that are not easily compromised and can withstand pressure.

Common error

While "robust" is a versatile adjective, avoid using it in highly informal or casual contexts where simpler alternatives like "strong" or "good" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

"Robust" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate that they possess strength, resilience, or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its use in diverse contexts, highlighting its descriptive power.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "robust" is grammatically correct and frequently used to describe something strong, healthy, or resistant to damage. As per Ludwig AI, it commonly appears in news, business, and scientific contexts, signaling reliability and effectiveness. While versatile, it should be used cautiously in informal settings where simpler alternatives might be preferable. Remember to use "robust" when you need a word with the right semantic, as synonyms may lack its nuances. Sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times exemplify "robust" usage across various contexts, showcasing its versatility and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong

Focuses on physical or inherent power.

resilient

Highlights the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

sturdy

Implies firmness and solid construction.

vigorous

Emphasizes energy and healthy activity.

durable

Highlights the capacity to withstand wear and tear.

sound

Suggests reliability and good condition.

hardy

Implies toughness and resilience, especially in challenging conditions.

well-built

Focuses on the quality of construction and design.

powerful

Emphasizes the capability to exert force or influence.

effective

Focuses on the capacity to produce a desired result.

FAQs

How can I use "robust" in a sentence?

You can use "robust" to describe something that is strong and healthy, such as "a robust economy", or something that is sturdy and resilient, such as "a robust defense system".

What are some alternatives to using "robust"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "strong", "resilient", or "durable".

When is it appropriate to use "robust"?

It is appropriate to use "robust" when you want to emphasize the strength, health, or resilience of something, especially in formal or technical contexts. In some situations it might be more suitable to say "strong" instead of robust.

Is "robust" formal or informal?

"Robust" is generally considered a more formal word. In informal settings, simpler synonyms like "strong" or "sturdy" might be more appropriate.