- cruel, severe and unkind
- The punishment was harsh and unfair.
- The minister received some harsh criticism.
- the harsh treatment of prisoners
- He regretted his harsh words.
- We had to face up to the harsh realities of life sooner or later.
- It may seem harsh to criticize him after his death.
- ‘She's just totally useless!’ ‘That's a bit harsh.’
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs- appear
- be
- prove
- …
- extremely
- fairly
- very
- …
- (of weather or living conditions) very difficult and unpleasant to live in
- a harsh winter/wind/climate
- the harsh conditions of poverty which existed for most people at that time
Extra Examples- Many of the prisoners died during the harsh winter of 1683.
- Life expectancy is extremely low due to the harsh conditions.
- These plants will not grow in this harsh climate.
- too strong and bright; ugly or unpleasant to look at
- harsh colours
- She was caught in the harsh glare of the headlights.
- the harsh lines of concrete buildings
Extra Examples- They've painted the walls with harsh bright colours.
- He stood outside, blinking in the harsh sunlight.
- unpleasant to listen to
- ‘Stop it!’ she said in a harsh voice.
- too strong and rough and likely to damage something
- harsh detergents
- Ordinary soap can be too harsh for delicate skin.
Word OriginMiddle English: from Middle Low German harsch ‘rough’, literally ‘hairy’, from haer ‘hair’.
Check pronunciation:
harsh