adj.
Pronunciation: ' gr ē -v ə s
Function: adjective
Date: 13th century
1 : causing or characterized by severe pain, suffering, or sorrow <a grievous wound> <a grievous loss>
2 : OPPRESSIVE , ONEROUS < grievous costs of war>
3 : SERIOUS , GRAVE < grievous fault>
– griev · ous · ly adverb
– griev · ous · ness noun