harshness

[hahrsh-nis]

harshness Definition

• 1. the quality of being unpleasantly rough or severe
• 2. the quality of being unpleasantly cold or bitter

Using harshness: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "harshness" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The harshness of his words made her cry.

• Example

  The harshness of the winter wind was unbearable.

• Example

  The harshness of the punishment was meant to deter others from committing the same crime.

harshness Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for harshness

• severity
• roughness
• bitterness
• hardness
• austerity

Antonyms for harshness

• gentleness
• mildness
• softness

Phrases with harshness

• harshness of life

  the difficulties and challenges that one faces in life

  Example

  The harshness of life in poverty-stricken areas is unimaginable.

• harshness of reality

  the unpleasant or difficult aspects of the real world

  Example

  The harshness of reality hit him hard when he lost his job.

• harshness of criticism

  the severity or unkindness of critical remarks or comments

  Example

  The harshness of the criticism left her feeling demoralized.

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Summary: harshness in Brief

Harshness [hahrsh-nis] is the quality of being unpleasantly rough, severe, cold, or bitter. It can refer to the unpleasantness of words, weather, or punishment, as in 'The harshness of his words made her cry.' 'Harshness' extends into phrases like 'harshness of life,' and formals like 'severity,' and informals like 'toughness.'