severity
noun
se·ver·i·ty
sə-ˈver-ə-tē 
: the quality or state of being severe : the condition of being very bad, serious, unpleasant, or harsh
the severity of the climate
the severity of the punishment
Medication can help shorten the illness and lessen its severity.
To make all coastal residents more aware of the severity of the cyclone hazard, and to increase faith and trust in evacuation orders, the emergency personnel must educate them about the benefits of taking refuge in public shelters prior to an approaching cyclone.—
Bimal Kanti Paul
Bimal Kanti PaulA dog, like a human, is prone to two broadly defined types of bone fracture—open and closed. Within each category, breaks of varying severity may occur.—Tom Ewing
Tom EwingExamples of severity in a Sentence
even though no one expected the film to be a hit with the critics, the director was taken aback by the severity of the criticism
Recent Examples on the Web
Patel acknowledged the severity of the problem.
—Stepheny Price , Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Prosecutors have recommended a minimum 11-year sentence, citing the severity of the conduct and its impact on victims.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Charlie and Pim are loyal employees of Smiling Friends, a mysterious business that exists solely to assist people with their problems, regardless of their severity.
—PC Magazine, 3 Oct. 2025
But grace also is needed, considering the severity of his injuries.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for severity
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Stepheny Price , Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Prosecutors have recommended a minimum 11-year sentence, citing the severity of the conduct and its impact on victims.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Charlie and Pim are loyal employees of Smiling Friends, a mysterious business that exists solely to assist people with their problems, regardless of their severity.
—PC Magazine, 3 Oct. 2025
But grace also is needed, considering the severity of his injuries.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for severity
Cite this Entry
“Severity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/severity. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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