severity
noun
se·ver·i·ty
sə-ˈver-ə-tē 
: the quality or state of being severe : the condition of being very bad, serious, unpleasant, or harsh
the severity of the climate
the severity of the punishment
Medication can help shorten the illness and lessen its severity.
To make all coastal residents more aware of the severity of the cyclone hazard, and to increase faith and trust in evacuation orders, the emergency personnel must educate them about the benefits of taking refuge in public shelters prior to an approaching cyclone.—
Bimal Kanti Paul
Bimal Kanti PaulA dog, like a human, is prone to two broadly defined types of bone fracture—open and closed. Within each category, breaks of varying severity may occur.—Tom Ewing
Tom EwingExamples of severity in a Sentence
even though no one expected the film to be a hit with the critics, the director was taken aback by the severity of the criticism
Recent Examples on the Web
The bottom line: The severity of consequences of failing the airport theory challenge depend on the airline and your itinerary.
—Brittany Anas, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Due to the severity of her injuries, Agnes will not return to the wild but has become the organization's ambassador, according to shelter operators.
—David Begnaud, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2025
His exuberant acting benefits from the severity of Beckett’s concision.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2025
Given the severity of his ankle sprain, a return closer to the end of the month — if not in April — seems more realistic.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for severity
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Brittany Anas, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Due to the severity of her injuries, Agnes will not return to the wild but has become the organization's ambassador, according to shelter operators.
—David Begnaud, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2025
His exuberant acting benefits from the severity of Beckett’s concision.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2025
Given the severity of his ankle sprain, a return closer to the end of the month — if not in April — seems more realistic.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for severity
Cite this Entry
“Severity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/severity. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share