penalty

1 a sum of money to be paid as a punishment the penalty for speeding is $10 for every mile over the speed limit Synonyms damages, forfeit, forfeiture, mulct, fineRelated Words reparations; assessment, award, compensation; indemnity

2 suffering, loss, or hardship imposed in response to a crime or offense in some cases, the new penalties for drug offenses were harsher than those for violent crimes Synonyms castigation, chastisement, comeuppance, correction, desert(s), discipline, nemesis, punishment, wrathRelated Words reprisal, retaliation, retribution, revenge, vengeance; assessment, charge, fine, mulct; example, sentence; confinement, imprisonment, incarceration; condemnation, damnation, denouncement; censure, criticism, rebuke, reprimand, reproofNear Antonyms amnesty, indemnity, pardon, parole; acquittal, exculpation, exoneration, vindication; exemption, immunity, impunity; release; commutation, reprieve; absolution, forgiveness, remission, remitment; condonation, disregard, overlooking

3 the negative result caused by something that creates difficulty for achieving success suffered the penalty of his decision to leave school without graduating