severity
sɪˈvɛrɪti
severities
Definition Synonyms

Definition of severity - Reverso English Dictionary

Noun

1.
level of harshnessintensity or seriousness of a situation or condition
  • The severity of the storm caused widespread damage.
gravity intensity seriousness
2.
behaviorharshness or strictness in behavior or attitude
  • The teacher's severity intimidated the students.
harshness sternness strictness
3.
challengedifficulty or hardship that is hard to endure
  • The severity of the punishment was questioned by many.
hardship rigor
4.
simplicityextreme plainness or lack of decoration
  • The severity of the room's design was striking.
austerity simplicity starkness
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Expressions with severity

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rating on a scale showing how serious a problem or situation is
The hospital assigned the patient the highest severity level after the accident.

Origin of severity

Latin, severitas (sternness)

Terms with severity included in their meaning

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lightadj.
intensity
of little intensity or severity
badlyadv.
severity
to a great or severe degree
worseadj.
severity
more severe or serious
worseadv.
severity
in a more severe or serious manner
lessen severity
become less severe or intense
crueladj.
harsh severity
used to describe something that is very harsh and severe
majoradj.
severity
very serious or life-threatening
severity rating
extent or degree of an action or situation

Examples of severity in a sentence

  • We underestimated the severity of the economic crisis.
  • Her severity in enforcing rules was well-known.
  • The manager's severity led to a high turnover rate.
  • The severity of the storm left the town devastated.
  • She underestimated the severity of the exam's difficulty.
  • The severity of her outfit was admired by fashion critics.

View all translations of severity

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:gravité, sévérité, ...
  2. German:Schwere, Strenge, ...
  3. Italian:gravità, durezza, ...
  4. Spanish:severidad, rigidez, ...
  5. Portuguese:gravidade, dureza, ...
  6. Chinese:严重性, 严厉, ...
  7. Japanese:激しさ, 厳格さ, ...
  8. Arabic:شِدَّة, الصرامة, ...
  9. Hebrew:חֻמְרָה, קְשִׁיחוּת, ...
  10. Russian:серьезность, суровость, ...
  11. Ukrainian:серйозність, суворість, ...
  12. Hindi:गंभीरता, कठोरता, ...
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