demerit

de·mer·it

noun \di-ˈmer-ət, dē-, -ˈme-rət\

Definition of DEMERIT

1

obsolete : offense

2

a : a quality that deserves blame or lacks merit : fault, defect

b : lack of merit

3

: a mark usually entailing a loss of privilege given to an offender

Examples of DEMERIT

1. Students are given demerits if they arrive late for classes.
2. <as a typist she has the advantage of speed but the demerit of inaccuracy>

Origin of DEMERIT

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French demerite, from Medieval Latin demeritum, from neuter of demeritus, past participle of demerēre to be undeserving of, from Latin, to earn, from de- + merēre to merit

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to DEMERIT

Synonyms

fault, dereliction, failing, foible, frailty, shortcoming, sin, vice, want, weakness

Antonyms

merit, virtue

Related Words

blot, spot, stain; blemish, deficiency, flaw, imperfection, minus, nit; Achilles' heel, soft spot; corruption, depravity, evil, immorality, sinfulness, wickedness

Near Antonyms

excellence, perfection; goodness, integrity, morality, probity, rectitude, righteousness

Rhymes with DEMERIT

inherit