harshness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "harshness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the quality of being harsh, severe, or unkind in tone, behavior, or conditions. Example: "The harshness of the winter weather made it difficult for the residents to leave their homes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The harshness of the surroundings is beyond doubt, but what's also self-evident is that the PKK love this territory.

The Guardian - Film

The harshness of the two-minute penalty has also been called into question.

The Guardian - Sport

Liberated from the harshness of the season, Dickinson is able, in both this and the handful of other winter poems she produced, to project her own quiet inner turmoil on to a world being, as we see here, slowly and cinematically blanketed.

The Guardian - Books

Earlier in the day, Cameron tried to distance himself from some of this perceived harshness of Thatcherism by saying she would be remembered for Britain's economic renewal, but he said he had been trying over the past seven years, through his leadership, to add social renewal.

The Guardian

The militias were notorious for their harshness, often imprisoning people they disapproved of.

The Economist

One was to flesh out a narrative to explain the post-electoral unrest and to excuse the harshness of a crackdown that has cost at least 20 lives and sent hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Iranians to prison.

The Economist

Perhaps, but only if they accept that a military victory is not possible and that they will have to stay for a long time.Western countries still enjoy an important asset: the support of ordinary Afghans who have no desire to return to the harshness of Taliban rule or to the civil wars of the past.

The Economist

Mr Buzek certainly concurs.Nonetheless, Poles are getting pricklier about what they see as the EU's harshness, especially to their farmers, who feel done down by subsidised imports of food from the West.

The Economist

The German occupation of Poland was a regime of unparalleled harshness, involving mass murder (particularly of Polish Jews) and the deliberate destruction of national spirit and culture.

The Economist

But as such it is an effective way to evoke the harshness of the streets".Amores Perros", directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Iñarritu, shares the richly textured feel of "De La Calle".

The Economist

The Italians came in huge numbers, though they were greeted with prejudice and much harshness.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emotional states or policies, consider whether "harshness" accurately conveys the intended degree of severity or if a more nuanced term like "strictness" or "rigor" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "harshness" in academic or professional contexts. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms such as "severity", "stringency", or "rigor" to provide a more precise and sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

Harshness functions primarily as a noun, denoting the quality or state of being harsh. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts. It often describes unpleasant or severe conditions, policies, or behaviors, as demonstrated by the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "harshness" is a grammatically sound and versatile noun used to describe the quality of being harsh or severe. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific literature. While "harshness" is prevalent across formal and informal registers, it's important to consider synonyms like "severity", "cruelty", and "rigor" to enhance precision in specific contexts. The high frequency and presence in authoritative sources underscore its acceptability in formal writing, though careful consideration of tone and connotation remains crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severity

Emphasizes the strictness or seriousness of something.

cruelty

Highlights the intent to cause pain or suffering.

severity of conditions

Focuses on the intensity and difficulty of existing circumstances.

strictness

Highlights adherence to rules and a lack of flexibility.

rigor

Implies a challenging and demanding nature.

stringency

Refers to the tightness or strictness of regulations or laws.

brutality

Emphasizes the violent or inhuman nature of something.

austere conditions

Highlights simple and severe conditions, often related to living.

roughness

Focuses on the unpleasant or coarse quality of something.

severity of the punishment

Highlights the intensity of the retribution inflicted

FAQs

How can I use "harshness" in a sentence?

You can use "harshness" to describe the severity of weather conditions, the strictness of a policy, or the cruelty of someone's actions. For example: "The "harshness" of the winter made travel dangerous."

What are some alternatives to the word "harshness"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "severity", "cruelty", "strictness", or "rigor".

Is it correct to use "harshness" to describe a person's character?

Yes, it is correct. "Harshness" can be used to describe a person's character, particularly when referring to their strictness, severity, or lack of empathy. However, consider whether words like "severity" or "cruelty" might be more fitting depending on the situation.

What is the difference between "harshness" and "ruthlessness"?

"Harshness" generally refers to severity or strictness, while "ruthlessness" implies a lack of pity or compassion. "Harshness" can be a necessary aspect of discipline, but "ruthlessness" often suggests a disregard for others' feelings.