severity

Definitions

The fact or condition of being severe, strict, or harsh.

The degree of intensity, gravity, or harmfulness of something, such as an illness or a problem.

Examples

The doctor was concerned about the severity of the patient's injury.

We did not realize the full severity of the economic crisis until the market crashed.

The judge took the severity of the crime into account when determining the length of the sentence.

Synonyms

harshness sternness rigor intensity gravity seriousness strictness

Antonyms

mildness leniency gentleness moderation softness mercy kindness