severity
/səˈvɛrəti/
noun
- The degree of how serious, extreme, or bad something is.
- Doctors assessed the severity of her illness before deciding on treatment.
- The severity of the drought forced many farmers to leave their land.
- The severity of the storm caused widespread power outages.
- Strictness or harshness in manner or treatment.
- The severity of the law was meant to discourage crime.
- The severity of the coach's training program surprised the new players.
- She spoke with severity, leaving no room for argument.
Synonyms