harsh harsh /ˈhɑːrʃ/

adjective

1. () Unpleasantly stern  ( rough , harsh )
   unpleasantly stern
    Wild and harsh country full of hot sand and cactus
   wild and harsh country full of hot sand and cactus
    The nomad life is rough and hazardous
   the nomad life is rough and hazardous
   
2. () Unpleasantly rough or jarring to the senses  ( harsh )
   unpleasantly rough or jarring to the senses
    The harsh cry of a blue jay
   the harsh cry of a blue jay
    Harsh cognac
   harsh cognac
    The harsh white light makes you screw up your eyes
   the harsh white light makes you screw up your eyes
    Harsh irritating smoke filled the hallway
   harsh irritating smoke filled the hallway
   
3. Sharply disagreeable; rigorous  ( abrasive , harsh )
   sharply disagreeable; rigorous
    The harsh facts of court delays
   the harsh facts of court delays
    An abrasive character
   an abrasive character
   
4. Severe  ( harsh )
   severe
    A harsh penalty
   a harsh penalty
   
5. Unkind, cruel or uncivil  ( harsh , rough )
   unkind, cruel or uncivil
    Had harsh words
   had harsh words
    A harsh and unlovable old tyrant
   a harsh and unlovable old tyrant
    A rough answer
   a rough answer
   
6. Of textures that are rough to the touch or substances consisting of relatively large particles  ( harsh , coarse )
   of textures that are rough to the touch or substances consisting of relatively large particles
    Coarse meal
   coarse meal
    Coarse sand
   coarse sand
    A coarse weave
   a coarse weave