C2 severe, or showing disapproval严厉的,苛刻的
a stern look/warning/voice严厉的目光/警告/语气
She is her own sternest critic.她对自己非常苛刻。
Journalists received a stern warning not to go anywhere near the battleship.记者们受到严厉警告,不得靠近军舰。
If something, such as a job, is stern, it is difficult.(工作等)严峻的,棘手的
The country's president is facing the sternest test of his authority since he came to power five years ago.总统的权威正面临着上任5年以来最严峻的考验。