penalty

American  

[pen-l-tee] / ˈpɛn l ti /

noun

plural

penalties

1. a punishment imposed or incurred for a violation of law or rule.

2. a loss, forfeiture, suffering, or the like, to which one subjects oneself by nonfulfillment of some obligation.

3. something that is forfeited, as a sum of money.

4. a disadvantage imposed upon one of the competitors or upon one side for infraction of the rules of a game, sport, etc.

5. consequence or disadvantage attached to any action, condition, etc.

---

penalty British  

/ ˈpɛnəltɪ /

noun

1. a legal or official punishment, such as a term of imprisonment

2. some other form of punishment, such as a fine or forfeit for not fulfilling a contract

3. loss, suffering, or other unfortunate result of one's own action, error, etc

4. sport games a handicap awarded against a player or team for illegal play, such as a free shot at goal by the opposing team, loss of points, etc

---

Etymology

Origin of penalty

1505–15; ≪ Medieval Latin poenālitās. See penal, -ty ²

Example Sentences

The department received additional penalties for improperly documenting training, failing to identify and evaluate the hazards of transporting and storing the ordnance, and leaving explosives unattended.

From Los Angeles Times

Italy’s national soccer team failed to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive time after a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

From The Wall Street Journal

Spend the funds on something else and the earnings generally face income tax and a 10% federal penalty.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mathilde Mukantabana, told State Department officials that American financial penalties imposed on the Rwandan Defense Forces will hinder delivery of supplies to troops in the field, making it difficult for them to continue to fight.

From The Wall Street Journal

It said leaflets, social media messages and signage would be used to help promote the ban which will also be backed up by the power to issue fixed penalty notices.

From BBC

Related Words

• cost
• discipline
• fine
• forfeiture
• punishment