demerit

noun

di-ˈmer-ət How to pronounce demerit (audio)
Definition of demeritnext
as in weakness
a defect in character my keyboarding has the advantage of speed but the demerit of inaccuracy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of demerit Fresca Palapa drink stand at 2601 Preston Road scored three demerits and was temporarily closed after health inspectors noted water was not available in the kiosk and there was a lack of water in the three-compartment sink. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026 Lord’s had not previously accumulated any demerit points; the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have 14 days to appeal against the ICC’s sanction. — Paul Newman, New York Times, 9 June 2026 The biggest demerit on season 27 would be the White Locust twist. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 4 June 2026 After a long ride to Maryland in a honey vat, Garth is able to sneak Daisy back inside the school with only a demerit for smoking. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for demerit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demerit
  1. weakness
  2. fault
  3. sin
  4. shortcoming
  5. failing
  6. deficiency
Noun
  • Unlike standard hearing and vision tests, these assessments examine how the brain interprets what the child hears and sees and may help identify underlying weaknesses contributing to behaviors associated with ADHD or autism.
    — Jillian Pretzel, Parents, 25 July 2026
  • Symptoms can include arm or leg pain, numbness, weakness and tingling, and Mayo Clinic advises calling a doctor if pain in the neck or back spreads to an arm or leg.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026
Definition of weakness
Noun
  • In other words, anything that happened to the president would be Israel’s fault.
    — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026
  • Shanahan spoke with reporters Tuesday and clarified that the collision was his fault.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026
Definition of fault
Noun
  • In the film, however, Odysseus’s falsehoods have dire consequences, an apparent reflection of the biblical assertion that false witness is a sin.
    — Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 26 July 2026
  • Drawing from Baldwin’s own experiences, the novel explores a young man’s spiritual and personal awakening while examining the lasting impact of history, sin, and love.
    — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 24 July 2026
Definition of sin
Noun
  • In response to these shortcomings, innovative tech companies are now taking a active, airborne approach to pest control by deploying tiny air-to-air killer drones directly into the skies to hunt down and eliminate these deadly insects.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 July 2026
  • But the design has always had real shortcomings—the most noticeable and serious being its mediocre battery life.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 July 2026
Definition of shortcoming
Noun
  • To compound the film’s failings at the box office, The Death of Robin Hood couldn’t generate much momentum from reviews or audience reactions.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Trump personally sued the Times last year for $15 billion over its coverage of his past business failings.
    — David Folkenflik, NPR, 23 July 2026
Definition of failing
Noun
  • Severe deficiency is uncommon, but nutrition experts say chronically low intake can signal a dietary gap worth addressing.
    — Lauren Manaker MS, Health, 31 July 2026
  • Mertens regularly monitors Tunsil’s electrolytes and checks for nutrient deficiencies through bloodwork and DEXA scans that measure his body mass and bone density.
    — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of deficiency

Browse Nearby Words

dementia
demerit
demerits
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Cite this Entry

“Demerit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demerit. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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