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
Vaccinations remain the best way to prevent coronavirus infection and lower the risk of subsequent long COVID by reducing the severity of the initial infection and immune response.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2025
Pete Smith, a professor of plant and soil science at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, told me in an interview that poor soil management can also increase the severity of sand and dust storms.
—Sanam Mahoozi, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
The difference between a tropical storm and a hurricane comes down to wind speed, the most important factor in determining the severity of a storm and its classification.
—Ann Abel, AFAR Media, 26 May 2025
Second, despite the opportunity to acknowledge the severity of Dexter’s conduct, the Hornishes have repeatedly sought to downplay Dexter’s responsibility for Mrs. D’Aleo’s death.
—John J. Houlihan Jr, Hartford Courant, 25 May 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.
The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2025
Pete Smith, a professor of plant and soil science at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, told me in an interview that poor soil management can also increase the severity of sand and dust storms.
—Sanam Mahoozi, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
The difference between a tropical storm and a hurricane comes down to wind speed, the most important factor in determining the severity of a storm and its classification.
—Ann Abel, AFAR Media, 26 May 2025
Second, despite the opportunity to acknowledge the severity of Dexter’s conduct, the Hornishes have repeatedly sought to downplay Dexter’s responsibility for Mrs. D’Aleo’s death.
—John J. Houlihan Jr, Hartford Courant, 25 May 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 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share