penalty
PEHN-uhl-tee
Penalty (noun) means a punishment or negative consequence imposed for breaking a rule, law, or agreement. Example: “There's a penalty for withdrawing the money early.”
noun
1
A punishment or negative consequence imposed for breaking a rule, law, or agreement.
"There's a penalty for withdrawing the money early."
"The court imposed a heavy penalty for the fraud."
"Returning library books late carries a small penalty for every extra day."
2
In sport, a free shot or kick awarded after a foul, or a punishment for breaking the rules of play.
"The striker scored from the penalty spot in the final minute."
"The referee awarded a penalty after the defender tripped the forward."
"Our team lost a point as a penalty for using too many substitutes."
How to use penalty
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA punishment or cost imposed for breaking a rule — in sport, specifically a free kick or shot awarded after a foul.
Common pairings
penalty kick
early withdrawal penalty
pay a penalty
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Word forms
- Plural
- penalties
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Can you complete this real example?
There's a _____ for withdrawing the money early.
Etymology
From Latin poena ("punishment"), via French pénalité.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for penalty
See all rhymes for penalty →Frequently asked questions
What does “penalty” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “penalty”?
“Penalty” is pronounced PEHN-uhl-tee (/ˈpɛn.əl.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “penalty” in a sentence?
Here is “penalty” used in a sentence: “There's a penalty for withdrawing the money early.”
What is another word for “penalty”?
Words with a similar meaning to “penalty” include censure, correction, discipline, punishment, punition and sanction.
What is the opposite of “penalty”?
The opposite of “penalty” — its antonyms — are compensation and reward.
What part of speech is “penalty”?
“Penalty” is a noun.
Where does the word “penalty” come from?
The word “penalty” comes from Latin. From Latin poena ("punishment"), via French pénalité.
Is “penalty” a common word?
“Penalty” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between a penalty and a fine?
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.
What are the types of penalty?
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.
Is a penalty the same as a punishment?
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.
What is the opposite of a penalty?
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.
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