C1adjectiveformalacademiceducation
US/ˈrɪɡ.ər.əs/
UK/ˈrɪɡ.ər.əs/
very careful, thorough and exact; also strict and demanding
In context
The new drug must pass rigorous testing before doctors can prescribe it.
A rigorous study would compare the new method with a control group.
The school is known for its rigorous academic standards and long hours.
Words that go with rigorous
adjective + noun
- rigorous analysisThe claim does not survive a rigorous analysis of the data.
- rigorous testingAll software goes through rigorous testing before release.
- rigorous standardsThe journal has rigorous standards for publication.
- rigorous researchPolicy should be based on rigorous research, not opinion.
- rigorous trainingPilots go through years of rigorous training.
adverb + adjective
- scientifically rigorousThe survey was popular but not scientifically rigorous.