penalty

noun

pen·​al·​ty ˈpe-nᵊl-tē 

plural penalties

1

: the suffering in person, rights, or property that is annexed by law or judicial decision to the commission of a crime or public offense

trespassing forbidden under penalty of imprisonment

2

: the suffering or the sum to be forfeited to which a person agrees to be subjected in case of nonfulfillment of stipulations

A penalty was imposed on the contractor for breach of contract.

3

a

: disadvantage, loss, or hardship due to some action

Loss of privacy is one of the penalties you pay for fame.

b

: a disadvantage (such as loss of yardage, time, or possession of the ball or an addition to or subtraction from the score) imposed on a team or competitor for violation of the rules of a sport

The team was given a penalty for the foul.

4

: points scored in bridge by the side that defeats the opposing contract

—usually used in plural

penalty adjective

Synonyms

• damages
• fine
• forfeit
• forfeiture
• mulct

Examples of penalty in a Sentence

The company was given a severe penalty for the violation.

They allowed him to pay back the money without a penalty.

They allowed him to pay back the money without penalty.

Lack of privacy is one of the penalties you pay for fame.

The hockey player was given a penalty for holding.

Recent Examples on the Web

Lizotte, meanwhile, brings a different kind of energy as the Kings’ spark plug and emotional leader, especially on the penalty kill. —Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2024

The penalties for Verizon and T-Mobile were eventually reduced after the commission reviewed additional evidence, according to the forfeiture orders made available by the FCC. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 29 Apr. 2024

Panthers take early penalties again Florida twice found itself with a player in the penalty box in the opening 9:18, first for too many men and then for Brandon Montour tripping Tanner Jeannot. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2024

Welty’s mother, 29-year-old Toni McClure, is charged with murder in the case with prosecutors seeking life without parole, a higher sentence than the 65-year maximum penalty state law carries for murder convictions. —Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 28 Apr. 2024

Among the key points are: no new non-hosted, short-term rentals in South Oceanside’s R-1 residential zone; no more than five bedrooms in short-term rentals citywide; and new categories of fines with stricter penalties for threats to public safety and operating without a permit. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Apr. 2024

However, penalties likely won't be due May 1, Pool said. —Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 26 Apr. 2024

Hospitals that do not comply face penalties of up to $120,000 per violation. —Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 25 Apr. 2024

No penalties have been assessed in those violations, Oleniacz said. —Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 25 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English penalte, from Middle French penalité, from Medieval Latin poenalitas, from Latin poenalis

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing penalty

• face mask penalty
• major penalty
• minor penalty
• penalty box
• penalty kick
• penalty shot
• the death penalty

Kids Definition

penalty

noun

pen·​al·​ty ˈpen-ᵊl-tē 

plural penalties

1

: punishment for a crime or offense

2

: something forfeited when one fails to do what one has agreed to do

3

: disadvantage, loss, or hardship due to some action or condition

4

: a punishment or handicap given for breaking a rule in a sport or game

Legal Definition

penalty

noun

pen·​al·​ty ˈpen-ᵊl-tē 

plural penalties

1

: a punishment that is imposed on a wrongdoer by statute or judicial decision

2

: a pecuniary sum that by agreement is to be paid by a party who fails to fulfill an obligation to another and that is punitive rather than compensatory

the court declined to enforce the contractual penalty and determined actual damages instead