HARSH

[adjective] -er, -est - unpleasant, unkind, cruel or unnecessarily severeThe children had had a harsh upbringing/life/father.We thought the punishment was rather harsh for such a minor offence."There is no alternative," she said in a harsh voice.He said some harsh words (= spoke unkindly) about his brother.A harsh light or colour is one that is unpleasantly bright and strong.