Severity refers to the intensity or seriousness of a situation, condition, or event. It is often used in various contexts, such as medicine, where it describes the seriousness of an illness or injury, or in risk assessment, where it evaluates the potential impact of a hazard. In everyday language, severity helps people understand how critical a problem is. For example, a severe storm can cause significant damage, while a mild headache may not require immediate attention. Understanding severity aids in prioritizing responses and resources effectively.