penalty

noun B2

Meaning

A penalty is a punishment or consequence imposed for breaking a rule or law, often resulting in a fine or loss of privileges.
💡 A common mistake is to confuse "penalty" with "punishment," as penalties can specifically refer to financial or legal consequences rather than general punitive measures.

Example Sentences

The company faced a heavy penalty for violating safety regulations .
The company faced a penalty for breaking environmental regulations .
The penalty for parking here is a fine of fifty dollars .
What is the penalty for breaking the school rules ?

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