severe
adjective/sɪˈvɪə(r)/
/sɪˈvɪr/
(comparative severer, superlative severest)
more severe and most severe are more common.- extremely bad or serious
- His injuries are severe.
- severe pain/depression/asthma
- a severe illness/disease
- severe weather/storms
- a severe winter (= one during which the weather conditions are extremely bad)
- The fire has caused severe damage to the building.
- The victim suffered severe brain damage.
- a severe shortage of qualified staff
- The party suffered severe losses during the last election.
- severe symptoms
- a severe case of woodworm
- Strikes are causing severe disruption to all train services.
- If the pain becomes severe, you may wish to contact a doctor.
Extra ExamplesTopics Health problemsb2- women affected by mild to moderately severe symptoms
- an exceptionally severe frost
- A severe storm blew the ship off course.
- Priority will be given to those at risk of developing severe symptoms if they contract Covid-19.
- The sector is suffering from chronic underfunding and severe staffing shortages.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs- be
- seem
- sound
- …
- extremely
- fairly
- very
- …
Definitions on the go
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- punishing somebody in an extreme way when they break a particular set of rules synonym harsh
- a severe punishment/sentence/penalty
- severe on/with somebody The courts are becoming more severe on young offenders.
- Her parents were never so severe with her older brother.
Extra Examples- Anyone found using drugs will receive severe punishment.
- He received a severe reprimand for his behaviour.
- These women have to endure poor living conditions, low pay and severe discipline.
- not kind or showing sympathy; not smiling or showing approval synonym stern
- a severe expression
- He fixed them with a very severe look.
- She was a severe woman who seldom smiled.
- extremely difficult and requiring a lot of skill or ability synonym stiff
- The marathon is a severe test of stamina.
- (disapproving) extremely plain and without any decoration
- Modern furniture is a little too severe for my taste.
- Her hair was short and severe.
- He was wearing a severe dark grey jacket.
very bad
punishment
not kind
very difficult
style/appearance/clothing
Word Originmid 16th cent. (in sense (2)): from French sévère or Latin severus.
Check pronunciation:
severe