harsh

/hɑrʃ/

/hɑʃ/

Other forms: harsher; harshest

Harsh means severe or strict, particularly when referring to punishment. It would be a harsh punishment if you got grounded for two weeks just for coming home a little late for dinner.

There are many shades of meaning for the word harsh depending on its context, but all imply that something is more unpleasant than it needs to be. Harsh lighting hurts your eyes. A harsh disciplinarian gives out punishments that are too severe. Whereas constructive criticism is usually helpful, a harsh critique will only make you upset. The harsh reality of the world today is that millions of people are starving while others have too much.

Definitions of harsh

1. adjective

   disagreeable to the senses
   “the harsh cry of a blue jay”

   “the harsh white light makes you screw up your eyes”

   “harsh irritating smoke filled the hallway”

   synonyms:

   unpleasant

   disagreeable to the senses, to the mind, or feelings
2. adjective

   of textures that are rough to the touch or substances consisting of relatively large particles
   synonyms: coarse

   coarse-grained, large-grained

   not having a fine texture

   coarse-grained, farinaceous, grainy, granular, granulose, gritty, mealy

   composed of or covered with particles resembling meal in texture or consistency

   granulated

   made grainy or formed into granules

   plush-like, plushy

   (of textures) resembling plush

   loose, open

   (of textures) full of small openings or gaps

   rough, unsmooth

   having or caused by an irregular surface
3. adjective

   unkind or cruel or uncivil
   “had harsh words”

   “a harsh and unlovable old tyrant”

   synonyms: rough

   unkind

   lacking kindness
4. adjective

   severe
   “a harsh penalty”

   synonyms:

   heavy

   unusually great in degree or quantity or number
5. adjective

   unpleasantly stern
   “wild and harsh country full of hot sand and cactus”

   synonyms: rough

   unpleasant

   disagreeable to the senses, to the mind, or feelings
6. adjective

   sharply disagreeable; rigorous
   “the harsh facts of court delays”

   synonyms: abrasive

   disagreeable

   not to your liking