Definitions

1. noun

a punishment, fine, or other consequence for breaking a rule or law

“The team was given a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.”

2. noun

a payment or charge made for something, such as a service or a product

“The penalty for late payment was 5% of the total bill.”

3. noun

a disadvantage or drawback

“The small engine size was a penalty for the car’s fuel efficiency.”

4. verb

to impose a penalty or fine on someone for something

“The court penalized the company for environmental damage.”

5. verb

to make something more difficult or less effective

“The weather penalized the athletes’ performance in the marathon.”

6. verb

to take or give something as a penalty

“He penalized his opponent with a point in the tennis match.”