harsh

Adjective

• sharply disagreeable; rigorous
  • the harsh facts of court delays
    
  • an abrasive character
    

• severe
  • a harsh penalty
    

• unkind or cruel or uncivil
  • had harsh words
    
  • a harsh and unlovable old tyrant
    
  • a rough answer
    

• of textures that are rough to the touch or substances consisting of relatively large particles
  • coarse meal
    
  • coarse sand
    
  • a coarse weave
    

• disagreeable to the senses
  • the harsh cry of a blue jay
    
  • harsh cognac
    
  • the harsh white light makes you screw up your eyes
    
  • harsh irritating smoke filled the hallway
    

• unpleasantly stern
  • wild and harsh country full of hot sand and cactus
    
  • the nomad life is rough and hazardous
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  abrasive , rough , coarse