What term describes a harsh, disagreeable combination of sounds?

The correct term for a harsh, disagreeable combination of sounds is cacophony. This term specifically describes a mixture of sounds that is jarring or discordant, often evoking feelings of discomfort or chaos in the listener. In musical or auditory contexts, cacophony refers to a lack of harmony or pleasing sounds, which aligns perfectly with the idea of unpleasant auditory experiences.

While dissonance is also related to a lack of harmonious sound, it often refers to specific combinations or intervals that create tension and can be musically structured, whereas cacophony captures a broader sense of a chaotic or unpleasant mix. Other terms in the context of sound, like harmony and melody, connote pleasant or structured sound arrangements and do not fit the description of harshness or disagreement.