harsh

US /hɑːrʃ/

UK /hɑːrʃ/

1.

unpleasantly rough or jarring to the senses

:

•

The desert sun can be incredibly harsh.

•

Her voice was harsh and unyielding.

:

rough coarse grating strident jarring

:

gentle soft mild

2.

severe or strict

:

•

The judge gave him a harsh sentence.

•

She received harsh criticism for her performance.

:

severe strict austere rigorous draconian

:

lenient mild gentle