Definition Definition

Demerit - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'Demerit' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Demerit [ n.]
- That which one merits or deserves, either of good or ill; desert.
- That which deserves blame; ill desert; a fault; a vice; misconduct; -- the opposite of merit.
- The state of one who deserves ill.
- To deserve; -- said in reference to both praise and blame.
- To depreciate or cry down.
2 . Demerit [ v. i.]
- To deserve praise or blame.

Meaning of 'Demerit' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . demerit [ n]
Meaning (1):
- the quality of being inadequate or falling short of perfection
Example in sentence:
  • he knew his own faults much better than she did;
  • they discussed the merits and demerits of her novel
Meaning (2):
- a mark against a person for misconduct or failure; usually given in school or armed forces
Example in sentence:
  • ten demerits and he loses his privileges