严峻 (yán jùn): grim; severe; rigorous

This summer, the south suffered a rare drought, and water levels in many reservoirs dropped to historic lows; the situation facing agriculture is extremely grim.

Because there had been no new orders for three consecutive months, the factory's financial situation became very grim, and the boss had to consider layoffs.

The doctor told the family that the patient's condition was extremely critical and that surgery was needed immediately, otherwise the patient's life would be in danger.

The unemployment rate in this region remains high, and young people are leaving to find work elsewhere; the local economic situation is becoming increasingly grim.