WordGarden.iopenalty
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈɛnəlti/
US
- /ˈpɛnəlti/
Meanings
Noun
a punishment or disadvantage imposed for breaking a law, rule, or condition
a sanction or foul call in a sport or game for breaking the rules
an extra charge for paying late or breaking financial or contract terms
Beyond the definition
A penalty is what happens when you break a rule—it's the punishment for doing something wrong. Think of soccer: if a player fouls another, the referee might award a penalty kick to the opposing team. But penalties aren't just for sports! You might face a financial penalty for paying your taxes late or a late fee for returning a library book past its due date. It's the price you pay for misbehavior or non-compliance. Sometimes it's about fairness—ensuring everyone plays by the same rules and faces consequences when they don't.
The word "penalty" refers to a punishment or disadvantage imposed for breaking a law, rule, or agreement. It is usually more official than a simple result of an action. You encounter penalties in many areas of life—from the sports field, where a foul can lead to a penalty kick or loss of yardage, to legal settings, where an offense can lead to a fine or imprisonment.
Penalties can be financial, such as late fees or tax charges, or they can involve limits on freedom, rights, or privileges. A contract might include a clause that explains what happens if one side fails to meet its terms. In some contexts, "penalty" can also mean a disadvantage or burden caused by a situation. For instance, a long delay might put a business at a serious penalty compared with its competitors.
Historically, the word comes from the Latin poena, meaning pain or punishment. This origin highlights the core idea behind a penalty: it's meant to discourage undesirable behavior and uphold standards of conduct. So whether you're dodging fouls in a game, navigating legal agreements, or facing the repercussions of your actions, understanding "penalty" means recognizing the consequences that come with breaking established rules or expectations.
Examples
- 1
Parking fine
If you park here, the penalty is a $50 fine.
- 2
Environmental law
The company faces heavy penalties for dumping waste in the river.
- 3
Cancellation policy
There is no penalty for canceling the reservation before Friday.
- 4
Bank withdrawal
You may have to pay an early withdrawal penalty if you take money out of the account too soon.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Soccer shot
He missed a penalty in the final minute, and the game ended 1-1.
- Domain
in soccer, a penalty is a free shot at goal after a serious foul
- 6
Match tiebreaker
After extra time, the match went to penalties.
- Phrasego to penalties
be decided by a series of penalty shots
- 7
Repeat offenders
The new law increases the penalty for repeat offenders.
- 8
Figurative cost
Small restaurants paid the penalty for rising food costs more quickly than big chains.
- Patternpay the penalty for + cause
suffer because of it
- 9
Legal warning
The form must be signed under penalty of perjury.
- Phraseunder penalty of perjury
with legal punishment possible if you lie
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- pay a penalty
- face a penalty
- penalty for breaking the rules
- civil penalty
Word family
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Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- penaltynoun
Forms
- penaltiespluralnoun