əˈbɹeɪ.sɪv kɔːs kɔːɹs ko(ː)ɹs hɑɹʃ hɑːʃ ɹʌf sharply disagreeable; rigorous the harsh facts of court delays an abrasive character severe a harsh penalty unkind or cruel or uncivil had harsh words a harsh and unlovable old tyrant a rough answer unpleasantly stern wild and harsh country full of hot sand and cactus the nomad life is rough and hazardous unpleasantly rough or jarring to the senses the harsh cry of a blue jay harsh cognac the harsh white light makes you screw up your eyes harsh irritating smoke filled the hallway of textures that are rough to the touch or substances consisting of relatively large particles coarse meal coarse sand a coarse weave