drastic
/ˈdrastɪk
/adjective
Likely to have a strong or far-reaching effect; radical and extreme: a drastic reduction of staffing levels...
- This is likely to mean a drastic reduction of overheads and also of headcount.
- It has had a drastic effect on membership and many clubs are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet.
- In addition the work tends to have a less drastic effect upon the landscape in winter.
Synonyms
extreme, serious, forceful, desperate, dire, radical, far-reaching, momentous, substantial;
heavy, sharp, severe, harsh, rigorous, swingeing, punishing, excessive, oppressive, draconian
Origin
Late 17th century (originally applied to the effect of medicine): from Greek drastikos, from dran 'do'.
drama from early 16th century:
This came via late Latin from Greek drama, from dran ‘do, act’ source also of drastic (late 17th century). The Latin dramatis personae has been used since the mid 18th century for a list of the characters in a play.