rough, harsh, uneven, rugged, scabrous mean not smooth or even. rough implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface. harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to …

HARSH meaning: 1. unpleasant, unkind, cruel, or more severe than is necessary: 2. too strong, bright, loud, etc…. Learn more.

HARSH meaning: 1 : unpleasant and difficult to accept or experience; 2 : having an unpleasant or harmful effect because of great strength or force too intense or powerful

Something that is harsh is so hard, bright, or rough that it seems unpleasant or harmful. Tropical colors may look rather harsh in our dull northern light.

1. ungentle and unpleasant in action or effect: harsh treatment. 2. grim or unpleasantly severe; stern; cruel; austere: a harsh master. 3. physically uncomfortable; desolate; stark: a harsh …

harsh′ly, adv. harsh′ness, n. 2. brusque, hard, unfeeling, unkind, brutal, acrimonious, bad-tempered. See stern 1. 3. rough. 4. discordant, dissonant, unharmonious. 6. unesthetic.

Definition of harsh adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Nov 28, 2025 · Adjective harsh (comparative harsher or more harsh, superlative harshest or most harsh) Unpleasantly rough to the touch or other senses.

Some common synonyms of harsh are rough, rugged, scabrous, and uneven. While all these words mean "not smooth or even," harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to …

harsh adjective (DIFFICULT) very cold, dangerous, or unpleasant and difficult to live in: harsh conditions