adj
harsh
HAHSH
adj
1
Unpleasantly rough, severe, or unforgiving — used for weather, conditions, sounds, or treatment.
"Winters here are harsh, with temperatures well below freezing."
"The judge gave him a harsh sentence for a first offence."
2
Overly critical or unkind in tone.
"Don't be so harsh — she was only trying to help."
How to Use Harsh
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRough, severe, or unkind — the opposite of gentle or mild.
Common pairings
harsh criticism
harsh conditions
harsh reality
harsh punishment
Word Forms
harsher comparative, more harsh comparative, harshed past tense, Harshes plural, harshes singular, harshest superlative, most harsh superlative
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Winters here are _____, with temperatures well below freezing.
Etymology
From Middle English harsk, likely borrowed from Old Norse or Middle Low German words meaning "rough" or literally "hairy."