Severe, cruel (5)
I believe the answer is:
harsh
I believe this is a double definition.
'severe' is the first definition.
(I've seen this before)
'cruel' is the second definition.
(synonyms)
(Other definitions for harsh that I've seen before include "Unkind or cruel" , "Severe and disagreeable" , "Severe - unkind" , "Guttural" , "Unpleasantly rough" .)