'harsh-environment-living' is a compound word formed from 'harsh,' 'environment,' and 'living.' 'Harsh' originates from Old English 'harsc,' meaning 'rough or severe.' 'Environment' comes from the French 'environner,' meaning 'to surround.' 'Living' is derived from the Old English 'libban,' meaning 'to live.'

The term 'harsh-environment-living' evolved as a modern compound to describe living conditions in extreme environments.

Initially, the components described separate concepts, but together they now specifically refer to living in challenging conditions.