1. the quality or state of being severe; harshness or strictness

Examples

• The severeness of the winter weather forced many businesses to close.
• Parents debated the severeness of the punishment for breaking curfew.
• The judge was known for the severeness of his sentences.
• The severeness of her expression made everyone uncomfortable.
• The coach’s severeness during practice helped the team improve.
• The severeness of the economic crisis affected millions of families.