vigorous

American  

[vig-er-uhs] / ˈvɪg ər əs /

adjective

1. full of or characterized by vigor.

   a vigorous effort.

   Antonyms:

   weak

2. strong; active; robust.

   a vigorous youngster.

   Synonyms:

   healthy, sound, sturdy

   Antonyms:

   weak

3. energetic; forceful: a vigorous personality.

   vigorous steps;

   a vigorous personality.

   Synonyms:

   powerful

   Antonyms:

   weak

4. powerful in action or effect.

   vigorous law enforcement.

   Antonyms:

   weak

5. growing well, as a plant.

   Antonyms:

   weak

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vigorous British  

/ ˈvɪɡərəs /

adjective

1. endowed with bodily or mental strength or vitality; robust

2. displaying, involving, characterized by, or performed with vigour

   vigorous growth

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Related Words

See active.

Other Word Forms

• overvigorous adjective
• overvigorousness noun
• supervigorous adjective
• supervigorousness noun
• unvigorous adjective
• unvigorousness noun
• vigorously adverb
• vigorousness noun

Etymology

Origin of vigorous

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Old French, from Medieval Latin vigorōsus; vigor, -ous

Explanation

Anything vigorous is done with force and energy. Vigorous exercise makes you sweat, and a vigorous denial makes someone else sweat. Vigorous is a description for something strong or enthusiastic. It comes from the French word vigour, meaning "liveliness, activity." An active, physically energetic person is vigorous, and mental activities can be vigorous too, when they require a lot of mental effort. A vigorous argument doesn’t have to include physical wrestling; it just might involve verbal sparring.

Example Sentences

Doing a mix of exercise is helpful, evidence suggests, with the NHS recommending strengthening activities at least two days a week and vigorous cardio exercise for at least 75 minutes.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Mr. Orbán, visibly less vigorous at 62, lost to the fiery young reformer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Compared with those who did no vigorous activity, individuals with the highest levels saw a 63% lower risk of dementia, a 60% lower risk of type 2 diabetes, and a 46% lower risk of death.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

“We are now in the process of gathering all the facts and look forward to presenting a vigorous defense on behalf of Mr. Keenan.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

Civil rights advocates have organized vigorous challenges to specific aspects of the new caste system.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

Related Words

• active
• brisk
• dynamic
• effective
• efficient
• forceful
• healthy
• intense
• lively
• persuasive
• potent
• robust
• spirited
• strenuous
• strong
• tough
• vital
• zealous