penalty

A punishment ordered by law for committing a crime.

• The penalty is a fine.
• The court imposed a severe penalty.
• What is the maximum penalty for theft?

How to use it: penalty for something (The penalty for this crime can be five years in prison.)

Similar words: punishment, sentence

Common phrases: death penalty, maximum penalty, face a penalty

A punishment for breaking a rule or failing to do something required.

• Late work carries a penalty.
• They received a penalty for breaking the rules.
• The teacher deducted five points as a penalty.

How to use it: penalty for doing something (There is a penalty for submitting work late.)

Similar words: punishment, sanction

Common phrases: late penalty, impose a penalty, penalty points

A punishment for breaking game rules, sometimes requiring a player to leave the game for a short time.

• The referee called a penalty.
• He served a two-minute penalty for holding.
• The team received three penalties in the first period.

How to use it: penalty for something (The player received a penalty for tripping an opponent.)

Similar words: punishment, sanction

Common phrases: penalty box, two-minute penalty, receive a penalty

Money you lose or must pay for taking money out of an account or investment too early.

• Early withdrawals carry a penalty.
• The bank charged a penalty on my savings account.
• Can I take out the money without a penalty?

How to use it: penalty for doing something (You pay a penalty for withdrawing the money early.)

Similar words: charge, fee

Common phrases: withdrawal penalty, early withdrawal penalty, pay a penalty