harsh
harsh /h'ɑːrʃ/ (harsher harshest)
1 [ADJ]
Harsh climates or conditions are very difficult for people, animals, and plants to live in.
The weather grew harsh, chilly and unpredictable.
= severe
≠ mild
● harshness [N-UNCOUNT]
...the harshness of their living conditions.
= severity
2 [ADJ]
Harsh actions or speech are unkind and show no understanding or sympathy.
He said many harsh and unkind things about his opponents.
= cruel
● harshly [ADV] ADV with v
She's been told that her husband is being harshly treated in prison...
● harshness [N-UNCOUNT]
...treating him with great harshness.
= severity
3 [ADJ]
Something that is harsh is so hard, bright, or rough that it seems unpleasant or harmful.
Tropical colours may look rather harsh in our dull northern light.
● harshness [N-UNCOUNT]
...as the wine ages, losing its bitter harshness.
4 [ADJ]
Harsh voices and sounds are ones that are rough and unpleasant to listen to.
It's a pity she has such a loud harsh voice.
≠ soft, gentle
● harshly [ADV] ADV with v
Chris laughed harshly.
● harshness [N-UNCOUNT]
Then in a tone of abrupt harshness, he added, `Open these trunks!'.
5 [ADJ]
If you talk about harsh realities or facts, or the harsh truth, you are emphasizing that they are true or real, although they are unpleasant and people try to avoid thinking about them.
The harsh truth is that luck plays a big part in who will live or die.
= bitter
1 [ADJ]
Harsh climates or conditions are very difficult for people, animals, and plants to live in.
The weather grew harsh, chilly and unpredictable.
= severe
≠ mild
● harshness [N-UNCOUNT]
...the harshness of their living conditions.
= severity
2 [ADJ]
Harsh actions or speech are unkind and show no understanding or sympathy.
He said many harsh and unkind things about his opponents.
= cruel
● harshly [ADV] ADV with v
She's been told that her husband is being harshly treated in prison...
● harshness [N-UNCOUNT]
...treating him with great harshness.
= severity
3 [ADJ]
Something that is harsh is so hard, bright, or rough that it seems unpleasant or harmful.
Tropical colours may look rather harsh in our dull northern light.
● harshness [N-UNCOUNT]
...as the wine ages, losing its bitter harshness.
4 [ADJ]
Harsh voices and sounds are ones that are rough and unpleasant to listen to.
It's a pity she has such a loud harsh voice.
≠ soft, gentle
● harshly [ADV] ADV with v
Chris laughed harshly.
● harshness [N-UNCOUNT]
Then in a tone of abrupt harshness, he added, `Open these trunks!'.
5 [ADJ]
If you talk about harsh realities or facts, or the harsh truth, you are emphasizing that they are true or real, although they are unpleasant and people try to avoid thinking about them.
The harsh truth is that luck plays a big part in who will live or die.
= bitter