drastic

[dras-tik]

adjective

1. extremely severe or extensive.

   a drastic tax-reduction measure.

2. (of medicines) acting with force or violence.

   a drastic laxative.

drastic

/ ˈdræstɪk /

adjective

1. extreme or forceful; severe

Other Word Forms

• drastically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of drastic¹

First recorded in 1685–95; from Greek drastikós “active,” equivalent to drast(ós) (verbal adjective of drân “to do”) + -ikos adjective suffix ( -ic )

Word History and Origins

Origin of drastic¹

C17: from Greek drastikos, from dran to do, act

Example Sentences

But pressure is growing on food makers to make more drastic changes.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The new models may boost sales, said Wedbush analyst and Tesla bull Dan Ives, but they don’t represent a drastic enough change.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Their drastic pullback in production and employment led to a pretty severe industry contraction that has contributed to some strain on our funds. We’ll be looking to them to help fix that with us.”

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In fact, every couple of releases the group takes a drastic shift into unexpected territory.

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These problems include their batting weakness against spin, a drastic need to improve their fielding and how they cope with pressure situations or must-win moments.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• dire 
• forceful 
• harsh 
• radical