adjective (severer, severest)
very bad
1 extremely bad or serious:
a severe handicap * His injuries are severe. * severe weather conditions * a severe winter (= one during which the weather conditions are extremely bad) * The party suffered severe losses during the last election. * a severe shortage of qualified staff * severe learning difficulties * The victim suffered severe brain damage. * a severe case of woodworm * Strikes are causing severe disruption to all train services.
punishment
2 ~ (on / with sb) punishing sb in an extreme way when they break a particular set of rules
SYNHARSH:
The courts are becoming more severe on young offenders. * a severe punishment / sentence
not kind
3 not kind or sympathetic and showing disapproval of sb/sth:
a severe look / expression * She was a severe woman who seldom smiled.
very difficult
4 extremely difficult and requiring a lot of skill or ability
SYNSTIFF:
The marathon is a severe test of stamina.
style / appearance / clothing
5 (disapproving) extremely plain and lacking any decoration:
Modern furniture is a little too severe for my taste. * Her hair was short and severe.
severely adverb:
severely disabled * areas severely affected by unemployment * Anyone breaking the law will be severely punished. * a severely critical report * Her hair was tied severely in a bun.
severity noun [U]:
A prison sentence should match the severity of the crime. * The chances of a full recovery will depend on the severity of her injuries. * the severity of the problem * He frowned with mock severity. * The elaborate facade contrasts strongly with the severity of the interior.
