2 sentences for 严酷 (yán​kù — harsh)

1. 在古代，榜掠是严酷的刑讯手段。

   zài gǔ​dài, bàng​lüè shì yán​kù de xíng​xùn shǒu​duàn.

   In ancient times, flogging was a cruel method of interrogation.

   Source: Dong Chinese Dictionary

2. 北极地区的自然环境极其严酷。

   běi​jí dì​qū de zì​rán huán​jìng jí​qí yán​kù.

   The natural environment in the Arctic is extremely harsh.

   Source: Dong Chinese Dictionary