1. most harsh, strict, or demanding in treatment or judgment
Usage: superlative form of severe
2. most serious or extreme in degree or intensity
Usage: superlative form of severe
3. most plain or austere in style or appearance
Usage: superlative form of severe

Examples

• The judge imposed the severest penalty allowed by law.
• This was the severest winter in decades.
• She received the severest criticism from her supervisor.
• The building’s severest architectural lines created a stark appearance.
• The drought caused the severest water shortage in the region’s history.
• His severest test came during the final examination.
• The coach’s severest training regimen prepared them for competition.