severity

American  

[suh-ver-i-tee] / səˈvɛr ɪ ti /

noun

plural

severities

1. harshness, sternness, or rigor.

   Their lives were marked by severity.

2. austere simplicity, as of style, manner, or taste.

   The severity of the decor was striking.

3. intensity or sharpness, as of cold or pain.

4. grievousness; hard or trying character or effect.

   The severity of his loss was finally becoming apparent.

5. rigid exactness or accuracy.

6. an instance of strict or severe behavior, punishment, etc.

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Other Word Forms

• nonseverity noun
• overseverity noun
• superseverity noun

Etymology

Origin of severity

First recorded in 1475–85; from Latin sevēritās, from sevēr(us) severe + -itās -ity

Explanation

Severity is a plain, no-frills hardness––or the degree of hardness. You might talk about the severity of the northern winter, or the severity of your grandfather's discipline. Severity, with its root in severe, has several nuances. It can mean a hardship, like war’s severity. It also refers to an extreme plainness. Think of the severity of Amish life: no phones, cars, or other modern technology. And you might use it to describe your math teacher’s manner: his severity is indicated by his short, clipped sentences, angry stare, and propensity to fail students without mercy.

Example Sentences

The "speed and severity of climate change in the South East particularly has outstripped reasonable predictions", he said.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Despite the severity of Meatloaf’s injuries, Jaros described the turtle as being in generally good condition and otherwise healthy before she was entangled.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Because of this, dietary approaches could provide a safer and more affordable way to reduce the severity or likelihood of infection, especially in vulnerable populations.

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

Investors gauging the energy squeeze’s severity might want a second opinion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Kaede looked at Taisin, who was gradually realizing the severity of the situation, and said, “We must go very carefully, on our hands and knees. Don’t try to rush it.”

From "Huntress" by Malinda Lo

Related Words

• harshness