harsh

/ˈhärsh/

Middle English harsk, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian harsk harsh

adjective

  1. having a coarse uneven surface that is rough or unpleasant to the touch

  2. causing a disagreeable or painful sensory reaction : irritating : overly intense or powerful

  3. physically discomforting : unpleasant and difficult to accept or experience

granite stones harsh with lichen

rough harsh uneven rugged scabrous mean not smooth or even. rough implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface. harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to the touch.