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Penalty: meaning, definitions and examples

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penalty

 

[ ˈpɛnəlti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

legal

A punishment imposed for breaking a law, rule, or contract, typically involving a fine or other loss of money.

Synonyms

fine, punishment, sanction

Examples of usage

  • The penalty for speeding is a fine of $100.
  • He faced a penalty for violating the terms of the agreement.
Context #2 | Noun

sports

A punishment in sports such as football or soccer, typically resulting from a rule violation.

Synonyms

foul, infraction, violation

Examples of usage

  • The referee awarded a penalty kick to the opposing team.
  • He was given a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Context #3 | Noun

general

A disadvantage or loss imposed as a result of an action or decision.

Synonyms

disadvantage, drawback, loss

Examples of usage

  • The company suffered a penalty in their stock price due to the scandal.
  • There is a penalty for missing the deadline.

Translations

Translations of the word "penalty" in other languages:

🇵🇹 penalidade

🇮🇳 दंड

🇩🇪 Strafe

🇮🇩 hukuman

🇺🇦 штраф

🇵🇱 kara

🇯🇵 罰

🇫🇷 pénalité

🇪🇸 penalización

🇹🇷 ceza

🇰🇷 처벌

🇸🇦 عقوبة

🇨🇿 trest

🇸🇰 trest

🇨🇳 处罚

🇸🇮 kaznovanje

🇮🇸 refsingu

🇰🇿 жаза

🇬🇪 სასჯელი

🇦🇿 cəza

🇲🇽 penalización

Etymology

The word 'penalty' originated in the late Middle English period from the Anglo-Norman French word 'penalte', which in turn came from the Latin word 'poena' meaning 'punishment'. The concept of penalties has been present in various forms throughout history as a means of enforcing rules, laws, and agreements.

See also: penalise, penalize.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,914, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.