as in weaknesses
a defect in character
my keyboarding has the advantage of speed but the demerit of inaccuracy
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Recent Examples of demerits
Restaurants that receive more than 30 demerits are required to immediately fix the most critical violations and start corrective procedures on all the other violations within 48 hours.
—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 July 2026
Those were the only demerits of the night for Ohtani.
—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
6 May 2026
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 July 2026
Those were the only demerits of the night for Ohtani.
—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
6 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demerits
Noun
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Old wounds Natural disasters often expose the strengths—or weaknesses—of state institutions.
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The companion app can then further the shame by generating reports that highlight your strengths and weaknesses, suggesting areas that might need some work.
Noun
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These machines are delicate and prone to faults.
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The devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela yesterday were most likely caused by a rupture in one of the country’s most active seismic zones — comprising the Boconó and San Sebastián faults, which extend along Venezuela’s northern coast — according to the USGS.
Noun
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Do not allow the sins of the past to overwhelm, to drown the present.
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That relationship was based on sinners confessing their sins to this vicar.
Noun
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Before the earthquakes, the government generally defended its national health system as robust, blaming shortcomings on sanctions imposed by the United States.
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So why did the dynamic between James and the Lakers feel awkward both through their successes and shortcomings?
Cite this Entry
“Demerits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demerits. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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