Meaning of harsh in English

1. Pronunciation

   /hɑrʃ/

   US accent

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   UK accent

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1. Classifying Adjective

   harsh

   Definitions

   1. unpleasantly stern

   Examples

   • « wild and harsh country full of hot sand and cactus »
   • « the nomad life is rough and hazardous »

   Synonyms

   • unpleasant
2. 2. disagreeable to the senses

   Examples

   • « the harsh cry of a blue jay »
   • « harsh cognac »
   • « the harsh white light makes you screw up your eyes »
   • « harsh irritating smoke filled the hallway »

   Synonyms

   • unpleasant
3. 3. extremely unkind or cruel

   Examples

   • « had harsh words »
   • « a harsh and unlovable old tyrant »

   Synonyms

   • unkind
4. 4. severe

   Examples

   • « a harsh penalty »

   Synonyms

   • heavy
5. 5. used of circumstances (especially weather) that cause suffering

   Examples

   • « brutal weather »
   • « northern winters can be cruel »
   • « a cruel world »
   • « a harsh climate »
   • « a rigorous climate »
   • « unkind winters »

   Synonyms

   • hard
6. 6. sharply disagreeable

   Examples

   • « rigorous »
   • « the harsh facts of court delays »
   • « an abrasive character »

   Synonyms

   • disagreeable