penalty

The word “penalty” means a punishment or negative consequence imposed for breaking a rule, law, or agreement. In plain terms, a punishment or cost imposed for breaking a rule — in sport, specifically a free kick or shot awarded after a foul.

“Penalty” is pronounced PEHN-uhl-tee (/ˈpɛn.əl.ti/ in IPA).

Here is “penalty” used in a sentence: “There's a penalty for withdrawing the money early.”

Words with a similar meaning to “penalty” include censure, correction, discipline, punishment, punition and sanction.

The opposite of “penalty” — its antonyms — are compensation and reward.

“Penalty” is a noun.

The word “penalty” comes from Latin. From Latin poena ("punishment"), via French pénalité.

“Penalty” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

A fine is one specific type of penalty — a sum of money you must pay for breaking a rule or law. 'Penalty' is the broader term and can also include prison time, points on a licence, disqualification, or extra charges. Every fine is a penalty, but not every penalty is a fine.

Penalties vary by context. Legal penalties include fines, imprisonment, and community service. Financial penalties include late fees and surcharges. In contracts, a penalty clause imposes a cost for breaking terms. In sport, a penalty is a sanction such as a free kick or extra strokes for breaking the rules.

They overlap closely. A penalty is a punishment or negative consequence formally attached to breaking a specific rule, law, or agreement. 'Punishment' is the wider, more general word and can be personal or moral, whereas 'penalty' usually implies a defined rule and a set, often official, consequence.

The opposite is a reward — a positive consequence given for good behaviour or achievement rather than a negative one for wrongdoing. Where a penalty discourages breaking the rules, a reward, bonus, or incentive encourages people to follow them or to perform well.