adjective

robust

roh-BUHST/rəʊˈbʌst/

Strong enough to withstand demands.

The robust hiker continues uphill against the strong wind with a loaded backpack.

A healthy, sturdy middle-aged woman hikes steadily uphill into strong wind with a loaded backpack, maintaining a balanced upright posture while nearby grasses bend sharply.

Etymology

Latin robustus originally meant “oaken”: oak’s hard timber supplied an image of strength. Applied to people, that image became physical vigor and hardiness, the core of today’s sense.

In context

Philadelphia Bar Association54:09

I think this landscape is very different in the post-pandemic environment um and and therefore the the response needs to be that much more strong and and robust

Chancellor's Forum: Spotlight on Judicial Security

More examples

We need robust software that handles thousands of orders without crashing.
These robust seedlings survive cold nights and strong winds.
The new hinges are more robust than the old ones.

Forms

robust · more robust · most robust

robustness noun — Strength and ability to withstand difficult conditions.

robustly adverb — In a strong and resilient manner.

Similar words

sturdy: Emphasizes solid construction that resists physical damage or collapse.
resilient: Emphasizes recovering after stress rather than resisting it throughout.
durable: Emphasizes lasting through repeated use over a long period.