Loading word page…
Updated June 2026
Very serious, harsh, or strict in nature, degree, or effect, or extremely plain without decoration. Severe describes intensity, strictness, or austerity in conditions, judgements, or appearances.
“The region experienced severe weather conditions including heavy snow and flooding.”
/sɪˈvɪə/
se·vere
Contains vowels E (appearing three times); distinctive -ERE ending pattern.
Worth 9 points; the V provides good value in this common adjective.
Shorter words formed from the letters in “severe”.
Look up severe in an authoritative dictionary for full definitions, pronunciation, and etymology.
Download Word Challenge for unlimited word puzzles, a fresh Daily Challenge, and head-to-head multiplayer. Guess the hidden word in six tries or fewer!