Laxi Dictionary

English Dictionary

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Definition severe in British English

severe adjective

adjective
/sɪˈvɪə(r)/

▪ difficulty, hardship, problem, recession, setback, shortage, threat

1

a severe problem is very serious and worrying

Example

Overcrowding in secondary schools is pretty severe.

Example

The reforms have caused severe economic hardship for the poorest members of the population.

Synonyms and related words
serious severe grave
1.1

a severe pain, injury, or illness is serious and unpleasant

Example

One of the passengers had suffered severe bruising and serious cuts.

Example

severe stomach pain

Synonyms and related words
acute advanced asymptomatic achy acute agonising
2

severe weather is extremely unpleasant and likely to cause harm or damage

Example

Severe thunderstorms are forecast for Tuesday night.

Synonyms and related words
severe harsh threatening
3

very strict or extreme

Example

The country has come under severe criticism for its human rights record.

Example

The most severe penalty he could get is ten years in prison.

Synonyms and related words
the nuclear option serious severe
3.1

strict and giving strong punishments when rules are not obeyed

Example

She was equally severe on students who were late for class.

Synonyms and related words
strict severe stern
4

unfriendly and not smiling

Example

a severe expression

Synonyms and related words
unfriendly cold hostile
5

extremely plain in style in a way that is not attractive

Example

a severe hairstyle

Synonyms and related words
ugly grim unattractive
Example

They face a severe test of character against a vastly superior team.

Synonyms and related words
difficult hard tough
Definition severe in British English