Meaning of severe In English

• 0 causing very great pain, difficulty, worry, damage, etc.; very serious:

  • a severe chest infection/leg injury/toothache

  • This is a school for children with severe learning difficulties.

  • In parts of Africa there is a severe food/water shortage.

  • There is expected to be a severe frost tonight.

  • Severe cutbacks in public spending have been announced.

  • This will be a severe test of our strength.

• 1 not kind or showing sympathy; not willing to accept other people's mistakes or failures:

  • The headteacher spoke in a severe voice.

  • The president is currently facing severe criticism.

  • There are severe penalties for failing to declare all your income to the Inland Revenue.

• 2 completely plain and without decoration:

  • She wore a severe black dress, and plain black shoes.

  • I don't like these severe modern buildings.

• 3 causing great pain, difficulty, damage, etc.; very serious:

  • a severe earthquake

  • The family faced severe challenges when he lost his job.

• 4 not kind or sympathetic; harsh:

  • severe criticism