definition of
harshness

[1] #1 harshness n. [abrasiveness, scratchiness] the roughness of a substance that causes abrasions. wn

[2] #2 harshness n. [roughness] the quality of being unpleasant (harsh or rough or grating) to the senses. wn

[3] #3 harshness n. [cruelty, cruelness] the quality of being cruel and causing tension or annoyance. wn

[4] #4 harshness n. [severity, severeness, rigor, rigour, rigorousness, rigourousness, inclemency, hardness, stiffness] excessive sternness; "severity of character"; "the harshness of his punishment was inhuman"; "the rigors of boot camp". wn