harsh
/hɑːʃ/adjective
Unkind, severe, or cruel in a way that is hard to accept.
Example sentences
- “The coach's harsh words left several players in tears.”
- “Critics were harsh about the movie's weak ending.”
- “The judge handed down a harsh sentence for a first offense.”
A common pattern is 'be harsh on' someone or 'harsh with' someone. It also describes things that are unpleasant to the senses or hard to live in: harsh light, a harsh winter.