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

A 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

Synonyms

• exactingness
• hardness
• harshness
• inflexibility
• rigidity
• rigidness
• rigor
• rigorousness
• sternness
• strictness
• stringency

Examples 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

Depending on the type and severity, symptoms might include dry, flaky skin that itches, cracks, appears red, or forms blisters. —Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 7 Feb. 2025

Incidents are included here based on severity, impact on public safety or other factors. —Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

Allergic reactions can lead to a variety of symptoms with varying degrees of severity. —Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025

There was an immediate rush of worry about the severity of the injury and Jay's well-being. —Angela Andaloro, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

severity

noun

se·​ver·​i·​ty

sə-ˈver-ət-ē

plural severities

: the quality or state of being severe