severe

6 definitions • 14 examples

causing very great pain, difficulty, worry, damage, etc.; very serious:

a severe chest infection/leg injury/toothache

This is a school for children with severe learning difficulties.

In parts of Africa there is a severe food/water shortage.

There is expected to be a severe frost tonight.

Severe cutbacks in public spending have been announced.

extreme or very difficult:

This will be a severe test of our strength.

not kind or showing sympathy; not willing to accept other people's mistakes or failures:

The headteacher spoke in a severe voice.

The president is currently facing severe criticism.

There are severe penalties for failing to declare all your income to the Inland Revenue.

completely plain and without decoration:

She wore a severe black dress, and plain black shoes.

I don't like these severe modern buildings.

causing great pain, difficulty, damage, etc.; very serious:

a severe earthquake

The family faced severe challenges when he lost his job.

not kind or sympathetic; harsh:

severe criticism