penalty

//ˈpɛnəlti//
B1Frequency Level 7Neutral
Visual representation of penalty

Noun

penaltySingular
penaltiesPlural
1

A punishment imposed for breaking a law, rule, or contract.

The penalty for breaking this rule is a fine of $100.

2

A disadvantage or unpleasant consequence of an action or condition.

One of the penalties of fame is the loss of privacy.

3

In sports, a punishment or disadvantage given to a team or player for breaking the rules, such as a free kick in soccer or time in the penalty box in hockey.

The referee gave our team a penalty for a foul in the box.

penalty - Deep Vocabulary