harsh (B1)

adjective

Pronunciation: /hɑːrʃ/

Definition

Unpleasantly rough or jarring to the senses or to the mind.

Examples

• The harsh chemicals in the cleaning spray made my skin dry.

• He spoke with a harsh, critical tone that upset everyone.

• The winter weather was particularly harsh this year, with a lot of snow and ice.

How to Use harsh

harsh on (prepositional phrase)

To be severe or critical towards someone or something. — "The teacher was often harsh on students who didn't complete their homework."

Synonyms of harsh

Words with a similar meaning to harsh:

• rough
• severe
• brutal
• unpleasant

Antonyms of harsh

Words with the opposite meaning to harsh:

• gentle
• mild
• pleasant

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary