However, the statistics do offer a broad comparison between the number of cases and deaths reported in a given year, which can help in illustrating the usual severity and survival rate of the cancer in question.

BBC: About our cancer statistics

The researchers made their subjects' jaws throb by pumping a solution into a nearby muscle, then asked them to rate the severity of their discomfort.

ECONOMIST: Pain perception

The severity of a recession and the unemployment rate are also mitigating factors.

FORBES: The Stock Market And Recessions

" Based on the total rate of incidents and their severity, "we recorded the best year in safety performance in our company's history.

WSJ: Transocean Cites Safety in Bonuses

Transocean uses two safety criteria to calculate executive bonuses: the rate of incidents per 200, 000 hours that employees work, and the potential severity of those incidents.

WSJ: Transocean Cites Safety in Bonuses