Sports / A2

PEN-uh-ltee/ˈpenəlti/

A penalty is a punishment for breaking a rule: a parking penalty, a penalty fee, a penalty in football (a kick). Fine is a cousin when the punishment is money. Punishment is the wider word. Punish is the verb. Do not write penalty when you mean plenty, or penalty vs penalties spelling.

Meaning

A punishment, often money or a disadvantage, for breaking a rule.

Examples

• “There is a penalty if you cancel the ticket too late.”
• “There is a penalty for taking liquids through security.”
• “He scored from the penalty in the last minute.”

Good to know

a parking penalty / a football penalty. Money cousin: fine. Mix-up: plenty.

Near in meaning

fine

Topics

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