penalty

American  

[pen-l-tee] / ˈpɛn l ti /

noun

plural

penalties

1. a punishment imposed or incurred for a violation of law or rule.

2. a loss, forfeiture, suffering, or the like, to which one subjects oneself by nonfulfillment of some obligation.

3. something that is forfeited, as a sum of money.

4. a disadvantage imposed upon one of the competitors or upon one side for infraction of the rules of a game, sport, etc.

5. consequence or disadvantage attached to any action, condition, etc.

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penalty British  

/ ˈpɛnəltɪ /

noun

1. a legal or official punishment, such as a term of imprisonment

2. some other form of punishment, such as a fine or forfeit for not fulfilling a contract

3. loss, suffering, or other unfortunate result of one's own action, error, etc

4. sport games a handicap awarded against a player or team for illegal play, such as a free shot at goal by the opposing team, loss of points, etc

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Etymology

Origin of penalty

1505–15; ≪ Medieval Latin poenālitās. See penal, -ty ²

Explanation

A penalty is a punishment or consequence for doing something wrong, such as having to pay a fee for not bringing your library book back when it was due. In hockey, players who break the rules have to sit in "the penalty box." Just like the penalty box punishes hockey players, all penalties are punishments for doing something wrong. Going to prison is the penalty for serious crimes. Detention is the penalty for misbehaving in school. Often, penalty applies to payments people have to make for breaking a financial contract of some kind.

Example Sentences

But Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar was called for hooking Byfield from behind on the play, setting up a penalty shot.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

Iran's judiciary called the claim "false news", saying the women had never faced the death penalty.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

The principal in the account — the money she has personally contributed — can also be withdrawn without penalty.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

The Czech Republic secured their place at a first World Cup tournament in 20 years when they beat Denmark via a penalty shootout in the play-offs last month.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

I had dealt with Nunnelly in several other death penalty cases.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Related Words

• cost
• discipline
• fine
• forfeiture
• punishment