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severity

n.
US //sɪˈvɛɹɪti// UK //səvˈɛɹɪti// sever·i·ty
  1. 1 seriousness of a problem (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    how serious or bad a problem, illness, or situation is.

    the degree of intensity or seriousness of something undesirable, such as a disease, weather event, or economic crisis.

    Example

    The severity of the storm surprised everyone, as it caused a lot of damage to the houses.

    Example

    Medical professionals were concerned by the severity of the outbreak, noting that symptoms progressed much faster than in previous years.

    Usage

    often used with the preposition 'of' followed by the problem.
    • mildness
  2. 2 strictness or harshness (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the quality of being very strict or harsh in the way you treat people.

    the quality of being stern, austere, or harsh in treatment or judgement.

    Example

    The teacher was known for the severity of her rules, but the students respected her.

    Example

    The severity of the sentence handed down by the judge sparked a national debate regarding the proportionality of the legal system.

    Usage

    uncountable in this sense.
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  1. 3 plainness or lack of decoration (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary

    a style that is very simple and plain, without any decoration.

    the quality of being extremely plain or simple in style or appearance; austerity.

    Example

    The severity of the building's design made it look cold and unfriendly.

    Example

    The architect favoured a certain severity in his work, stripping away all ornamental flourishes to focus on raw concrete and sharp angles.
Origin

From Middle English severity, from Middle French severite (modern French sévérité), from Latin sevēritās. By surface analysis, severe + -ity.

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