Definition of severe adjective in oxford advanced learner's dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. Very bad, serious, or unpleasant;

Unnecessarily extreme. See examples of severe used in a sentence. Severe implies adherence to rigorous standards or high principles and often suggests harshness: Praise or blame has but a momentary effect on the man whose love of beauty in the abstract.