Graceful degradation is a design principle that ensures a system continues to function, albeit at a reduced level, when some of its components fail or are unavailable. This approach allows users to still access essential features, even if the full functionality is compromised. It is commonly applied in software development and web design to enhance user experience during unexpected issues. In contrast to graceful degradation, robustness focuses on building systems that can handle errors without significant performance loss. Both concepts aim to improve reliability, but graceful degradation specifically emphasizes maintaining usability under adverse conditions, making it a valuable strategy in technology and engineering.