Severe: meaning, definitions and examples

Appropriate when discussing serious or very bad situations, often used for illnesses, weather, or punishments.

• He suffered from severe depression.
• The storm caused severe damage to the town.

Used to describe something that is very strong, often emotionally or physically demanding.

• The heat was so intense it was hard to breathe.
• They had an intense argument.

Best used when describing something that is very great in degree or ends of a range, often in sports, weather conditions, or opinions.

• Extreme sports can be very dangerous.
• They lived in extreme poverty.

Suitable for describing situations, conditions, or behaviors that are unpleasant and unkind. This word often carries a negative sentiment.

• The winters in that region are very harsh.
• She received harsh criticism for her actions.

This word can be used to describe something very serious or difficult. It is often used for weather, punishment, or medical conditions.

• The storm caused severe damage to the buildings.
• His illness is very severe and needs immediate attention.
• The judge gave a severe sentence to the criminal.

This word is used to describe something extremely unkind, cruel, or difficult to endure. It often has a negative connotation.

• The teacher was very harsh with the students for their mistakes.
• The desert has a harsh climate.
• Critics gave harsh reviews for the new movie.

This word is often used to describe rules or conditions that are very strict and must be followed closely. It carries a sense of strictness and rigor.

• The new safety regulations are very stringent.
• The school has stringent policies about attendance.
• Financial institutions must adhere to stringent guidelines.

This is used to describe something very thorough and accurate, often requiring a lot of effort. It is commonly used for processes, tests, or discipline.

• The new policy went through a rigorous review process.
• The training program is rigorous and challenging.
• Scientists conducted rigorous experiments to validate the theory.

This word is commonly used to describe something very intense, harsh, or extreme. It is often used in the context of weather conditions, medical conditions, or situations that are damaging and strict.

• The region was hit by a severe storm that caused widespread damage.
• She is suffering from severe allergies.
• The company is facing severe financial difficulties.

This word can be applied to a wide range of situations where something is not light-hearted or trivial. It often describes important, significant, or worrying matters.

• This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately.
• She has a serious expression on her face.
• He was involved in a serious accident that required hospital treatment.

This word is often used when describing something of great importance or urgency that requires immediate attention. In medicine, it describes a medical state that is life-threatening. It can also be used to indicate a crucial point or situation.

• The patient is in critical condition and needs immediate surgery.
• Your feedback is critical to the success of this project.
• We are at a critical juncture in the negotiations.

This word is used to convey a very serious and solemn tone, often relating to situations that are deeply serious or have potential negative consequences. It can describe emotions, demeanor, or situations.

• There were grave concerns about the safety of the miners.
• He spoke in a grave voice, indicating the seriousness of the matter.
• The report warned of grave consequences if no action was taken.