Austere characterizes someone as demanding, strict, or unforgiving. Austere people have zero time for pleasantries, fun, or other shenanigans. Instead, they are completely committed to their duties or roles, often at the expense of any kind of pleasure.

What is an austere person?

adjective. severe in manner or appearance; uncompromising; strict; forbidding: an austere teacher. rigorously self-disciplined and severely moral; ascetic; abstinent: the austere quality of life in the convent. grave; sober; solemn; serious: an austere manner.

Does austere mean self denial?

Some common synonyms of austere are ascetic, severe, and stern. While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," austere stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial.