harsh environment

USAGE SUMMARY

'harsh environment' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a place with extreme and difficult conditions. For example: "The hikers in the mountains faced a harsh environment due to the storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a harsh environment.

Independent

It can be a harsh environment.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's a harsh environment," Mr. Sommer said.

The New York Times

from harsh environment sensing to energy technologies.

University of California, Berkeley

Such infrastructure operates in a harsh environment.

Corrosion Science

How long have bristlecones lived in their harsh environment?

The New York Times

It's a harsh environment, too, the Island of Sodor.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The harsh environment was far more brutal to Excite.

The New York Times

"We know international cricket is a harsh environment," Moores responded.

The Guardian - Sport

At times it is also a harsh environment.

The Guardian - Travel

In this harsh environment, the termite kingdom flourishes.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "harsh environment", consider specifying what makes the environment harsh. For example, instead of just saying "the desert is a harsh environment", you could say "the desert is a "harsh environment" due to extreme temperatures and lack of water".

Common error

Avoid using "harsh environment" as a generic descriptor for any difficult situation. It's more effective when referring to physical environments, competitive markets, or specific conditions that pose significant challenges. Using it loosely can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harsh environment" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a setting or situation characterized by severe or difficult conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "harsh environment" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe challenging or difficult settings. As Ludwig AI notes, it’s widely employed across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While generally negative, its use can also highlight resilience and adaptation. When using this phrase, consider specifying what makes the environment harsh to enhance clarity and impact. Related phrases include "extreme conditions" and "challenging environment".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extreme conditions

Focuses on the extremity of the conditions, often referring to weather or physical states.

inhospitable conditions

Emphasizes the lack of welcome or suitability for life or growth.

difficult circumstances

Highlights the problematic nature of the situation or surrounding.

challenging environment

Stresses the difficulty and demands placed on those within the environment.

adverse conditions

Indicates conditions working against success or well-being.

severe environment

Similar to extreme conditions, but can also imply strict or rigorous demands.

unfavorable setting

Focuses on the disadvantageous aspect of the situation.

tough conditions

Highlights the resilience required to survive or thrive.

demanding environment

Emphasizes the high level of effort or skill required.

rigorous conditions

Highlights the strict and demanding nature of the environment.

FAQs

How can I use "harsh environment" in a sentence?

You can use "harsh environment" to describe a place or situation with difficult or extreme conditions. For example, "The astronauts trained to survive in the "harsh environment" of space".

What are some synonyms for "harsh environment"?

Alternatives to "harsh environment" include "extreme conditions", "inhospitable conditions", and "challenging environment", depending on the context.

Is it always negative to describe something as a "harsh environment"?

While generally negative, describing something as a "harsh environment" can also highlight resilience or adaptation. It acknowledges the difficulty while implying the ability to overcome it.

What kind of environments are typically described as a "harsh environment"?

Environments typically described as a "harsh environment" include deserts, arctic regions, outer space, competitive markets, and situations involving extreme adversity.