Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - harsh

 adjective  Etymology: Middle English harsk, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian harsk ~  Date: 14th century  1. having a coarse uneven surface that is rough or unpleasant to the touch  2.  a. causing a disagreeable or painful sensory reaction ; irritating  b. physically discomforting ; painful  3. unduly exacting ; severe  4. lacking in aesthetic appeal or refinement ; crude  Synonyms: see rough  • ~ly adverb  • ~ness noun