harsh

//hɑːrʃ//
B2Frequency Level 8Neutral
Visual representation of harsh

Adjective

harshCanonical form
harsherComparative
harshestSuperlative
1

Unpleasantly rough or jarring to the senses, especially to hearing or touch.

The harsh sound of metal scraping against concrete made everyone cover their ears.

2

Cruel, severe, or unkind in treatment or judgment.

The judge gave him a harsh sentence for a minor offense.

3

Physically uncomfortable or difficult to endure, especially referring to weather or environmental conditions.

The harsh winter made it difficult to go outside.

4

Excessively bright, glaring, or intense in appearance.

The harsh fluorescent lighting gave me a headache.

harsh - Deep Vocabulary