harsh

harsh

adjective \ˈhärsh\

Definition of HARSH

1

: having a coarse uneven surface that is rough or unpleasant to the touch

2

a : causing a disagreeable or painful sensory reaction : irritating

b : physically discomforting : painful

3

: unduly exacting : severe

4

: lacking in aesthetic appeal or refinement : crude

— harsh·ly adverb

— harsh·ness noun

Examples of HARSH

1. The climate there is very harsh.
2. We've had an extremely harsh winter.
3. It's time for her to face the harsh realities of this situation.
4. The accident serves as a harsh reminder of the importance of wearing a seat belt.
5. The lighting in the room was very harsh.
6. The state has established harsh penalties for drug dealers.
7. She has been criticized for her harsh treatment of his students.
8. He was sentenced to a harsh prison term.
9. He had harsh words for his opponent.
10. She has faced some extremely harsh criticism.

Origin of HARSH

Middle English harsk, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian harsk harsh

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to HARSH

Synonyms

bitter, brutal, burdensome, cruel, excruciating, grievous, 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

See Synonym Discussion at rough

Rhymes with HARSH

marsh