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Definition of harshness

harshness

/ˈhɑːrʃ.nəs/
harsh · ness
Adverb:harshly
•
Plural:harshnesses
•
Adjective:harsh
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harshness Lexical Profile

harshness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality of being cruel, stern, or overly severe in treatment, judgment, or speech.

Example

"The unexpected harshness of the critic's review discouraged the young playwright."

2

The state or quality of being unpleasantly rough, grating, or jarring to the senses.

Example

"She adjusted the lampshade to soften the harshness of the fluorescent lighting in the office."

3

Extreme unpleasantness, rigor, or difficulty of living conditions, climate, or environment.

Example

"Early explorers were unprepared for the extreme harshness of the Antarctic winter."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

harsh
harshen
harshly
harshness
hart
hartebeest
hartford

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the adjective 'harsh' (originally 'harsk', of Scandinavian origin meaning 'rough' or 'coarse') combined with the Old English noun-forming suffix '-ness'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Harshness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/harshness
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