harshness n. + Add to list US //ˈhɑɹʃnəs// UK //hˈɑːʃnəs// harsh·ness SynonymsEtymology Synonyms abrasivenesscruelnesscrueltyrigorrigorousnessroughnessscratchinessseverenessseverityOriginMEharsknes→ENharshness From Middle English harsknes; equivalent to harsh + -ness.