strong enough to hold up under pressure

robust

adjective|/roʊˈbʌst/

Strong, sturdy, and able to withstand tough conditions; thorough and effective.

Examples

In a meeting

We need a more robust testing framework before we go to production.

Over coffee

This phone case is surprisingly robust — I've dropped it a dozen times.

Why this word

strong

robust emphasizes resilience and ability to withstand stress or variation, while strong is general power or force

sturdy

robust implies resilience across diverse conditions and challenges, while sturdy suggests physical solidity

reliable

robust focuses on maintaining performance under stress, while reliable emphasizes consistent functionality

Usage tip

In tech, means well-built and resilient. In business, means thorough and reliable. Implies quality under stress.

Etymology

Latin robustus — robur (oak tree, strength), literally 'strong as oak'

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