► extreme to a much greater degree than usual so that something is more serious, more deeply felt, etc.:
The pain was extreme, even though the doctors tried to lessen it.The government used extreme violence against the protesters.► severe extreme or very strong. You use severe about things that have a bad effect, for example punishment, damage, problems, bad weather, and illness:
The roads are closed because of severe weather conditions.There was severe criticism of the way the president handled the problem.► drastic extreme, sudden, and having a big effect:
There will be drastic cuts in programs this spring, because the school no longer has any money.► radical AWL a radical change or difference makes a situation completely different from the way it was before:
Over the past 50 years, there have been radical changes in family life, with many more children living with a single parent.► fierce extremely strong. You use fierce about actions or emotions:
There is fierce competition between the two teams.She watched with fierce pride as her son accepted the award.► harsh harsh punishment or criticism seems very severe and extreme:
He stole some food because he was hungry, so I think putting him in jail seems like a harsh punishment.Don't be too harsh on her - she is only a child.➔ You can also use harsh to describe weather that is extreme, especially cold weather: Many birds died during the harsh winter.