harshness harshness /ˈhɑːrʃnəs/

noun

1. () The roughness of a substance that causes abrasions  ( abrasiveness , harshness , scratchiness )
   the roughness of a substance that causes abrasions
   
2. Excessive sternness  ( hardness , harshness , inclemency , rigor [American] , rigorousness , rigour [Canadian, British] , rigourousness [British, Non-standard] , severeness , severity , stiffness )
   excessive sternness
    Severity of character
   severity of character
    The harshness of his punishment was inhuman
   the harshness of his punishment was inhuman
    The rigors of boot camp
   the rigors of boot camp
   
3. The quality of being cruel and causing tension or annoyance  ( cruelness , harshness , cruelty )
   the quality of being cruel and causing tension or annoyance
   
   
4. The quality of being harsh, rough or grating to the senses  ( harshness , roughness )
   the quality of being harsh, rough or grating to the senses