Harsh meaning

What does “harsh” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“harsh” is an adjective with 6 meanings. Its most common meaning is: unpleasantly stern.

harsh

unpleasantly stern
“wild and harsh country full of hot sand and cactus”
“the nomad life is rough and hazardous”
Synonymsrough
unpleasantly rough or jarring to the senses
“the harsh cry of a blue jay”
“harsh cognac”
of textures that are rough to the touch or substances consisting of relatively large particles
“coarse meal”
“coarse sand”
Synonymscoarse
unkind or cruel or uncivil
“had harsh words”
“a harsh and unlovable old tyrant”
Synonymsrough
severe
“a harsh penalty”
sharply disagreeable; rigorous
“the harsh facts of court delays”
“an abrasive character”
Synonymsabrasive

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University