severity
noun
se·ver·i·ty
sə-ˈver-ə-tē 
: the quality or state of being severe : the condition of being very bad, serious, unpleasant, or harsh
the severity of the climate
the severity of the punishment
Medication can help shorten the illness and lessen its severity.
To make all coastal residents more aware of the severity of the cyclone hazard, and to increase faith and trust in evacuation orders, the emergency personnel must educate them about the benefits of taking refuge in public shelters prior to an approaching cyclone.—
Bimal Kanti Paul
Bimal Kanti PaulA dog, like a human, is prone to two broadly defined types of bone fracture—open and closed. Within each category, breaks of varying severity may occur.—Tom Ewing
Tom EwingSynonyms
Examples of severity in a Sentence
even though no one expected the film to be a hit with the critics, the director was taken aback by the severity of the criticism
Recent Examples on the Web
Walking has been shown to improve strength, stamina, and flexibility and reduce the risk or severity of several chronic health concerns.
—Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Ld, Health, 4 Dec. 2024
Accidents are on the rise: The number and severity of collisions have gone up, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, fueled by more distracted driving and rising speed limits.
—Liz Knueven, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2024
The frequency and severity of tics also change regularly, and can be in response to factors like stress, anxiety, excitement, fatigue, illness and more.
—Esther Kang, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024
However, the cost varies based on the practice, location, and severity of the case.13
Summary
Laser therapy is an option for visible blood vessels, skin redness, and other rosacea symptoms.
—Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for severity 
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Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Ld, Health, 4 Dec. 2024
Accidents are on the rise: The number and severity of collisions have gone up, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, fueled by more distracted driving and rising speed limits.
—Liz Knueven, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2024
The frequency and severity of tics also change regularly, and can be in response to factors like stress, anxiety, excitement, fatigue, illness and more.
—Esther Kang, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024
However, the cost varies based on the practice, location, and severity of the case.13
Summary
Laser therapy is an option for visible blood vessels, skin redness, and other rosacea symptoms.
—Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for severity
Dictionary Entries Near severity
Cite this Entry
“Severity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/severity. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.
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