grievous

griev·ous

adj \ˈgrē-vəs\

Definition of GRIEVOUS

1

: causing or characterized by severe pain, suffering, or sorrow <a grievous wound> <a grievous loss>

2

: oppressive, onerous <grievous costs of war>

3

: serious, grave <grievous fault>

— griev·ous·ly adverb

— griev·ous·ness noun

Examples of GRIEVOUS

1. the grievous cost of war
2. He took a foolish financial risk and suffered a grievous loss.

First Known Use of GRIEVOUS

13th century

Related to GRIEVOUS

Synonyms: bitter, brutal, burdensome, cruel, excruciating, harsh, grim, hard, hardhanded, heavy, inhuman, murderous, onerous, oppressive, rough, rugged, searing, severe, stiff, tough, trying

Antonyms: easy, light, soft

Related Words: austere, bleak, comfortless, discomforting, forbidding, inhospitable, spartan, uncomfortable; biting, inclement, intemperate, wild; rigorous, strict, stringent; agonizing, heartbreaking, heartrending, painful, wretched; crushing, grinding, overwhelming, wearing; insufferable, insupportable, intolerable, unbearable, unendurable; harrowing, tortuous; bad, disagreeable, hostile, unfriendly, unpleasant

Near Antonyms: comfortable, cozy, luxurious, snug; agreeable, friendly, genial, hospitable, pleasant; peaceful, relaxing, reposeful, restful; bearable, endurable, painless, tolerable; balmy, calm, clement, gentle, mild, moderate, temperate

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Rhymes with GRIEVOUS

Nevis, nevus