B1adjectivehealthenvironment
US/səˈvɪr/
UK/sɪˈvɪə/
very bad or serious, causing a lot of harm or pain; also very strict
In context
The region is suffering from severe flooding after a week of heavy rain.
She was taken to hospital with severe stomach pain.
Drivers who use their phones face severe penalties under the new law.
Words that go with severe
adjective + noun
- severe weatherFlights were cancelled because of severe weather in the north.
- severe damageThe earthquake caused severe damage to roads and bridges.
- severe painHe woke up in the night with severe pain in his chest.
- severe shortageThe hospital is facing a severe shortage of nurses.
- severe punishmentCheating in the exam can lead to severe punishment.
- severe headacheToo much screen time gives me a severe headache.
- severe criticismThe plan faced severe criticism from local residents.