demerit

noun

di-ˈmer-ət How to pronounce demerit (audio)
Definition of demeritnext
as in weakness
a defect in character my keyboarding has the advantage of speed but the demerit of inaccuracy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of demerit Kimi maxed out on demerits for handling of user data for training, while Copilot scored worst for direct handling of personalized data. — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 20 Aug. 2026 Lord’s had not previously accumulated any demerit points; the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have 14 days to appeal against the ICC’s sanction. — Paul Newman, New York Times, 9 June 2026 The biggest demerit on season 27 would be the White Locust twist. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 4 June 2026 After a long ride to Maryland in a honey vat, Garth is able to sneak Daisy back inside the school with only a demerit for smoking. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for demerit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demerit
  1. weakness
  2. fault
  3. sin
  4. shortcoming
  5. failing
  6. deficiency
Noun
  • On iPhone, Apple says the Passwords app automatically identifies common weaknesses, including passwords that are easy to guess or used multiple times.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Slowik, who was part of Miami’s offensive staff last season while working for McDaniel, is aware of what Wright and Gordon bring to the team, their strengths and weaknesses, and intends to cater the offense to those.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of weakness
Noun
  • The president, who generally resists admitting fault, has recently made several reversals responding to ethical concerns.
    — Isaac Arnsdorf, Washington Post, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The financial institution did not admit to the allegations, with the settlement reflecting a compromise without any admission of liability, fault, or wrongdoing.
    — Chase Jordan October 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of fault
Noun
  • Now Trump’s folks are rounding up and deporting people who were jailed in their home country for the sin of defending democracy.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • De Biase explained how a snake is associated with Eve and the story of sin in the Bible — but the shoe reframes the connotation of the snake.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of sin
Noun
  • The Jets, seeking to address their defensive shortcomings, signed safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in the offseason.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Others, including Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, who recently launched a crackdown on Venezuelan migrants in his country, will be tempted to stoke xenophobia to deflect blame for policy shortcomings.
    — DAN RESTREPO, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of shortcoming
Noun
  • These reported failings include understaffing, undertrained employees, and failure to listen to parental concerns, the BBC reported at the time.
    — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Sussman is inclined to see such preferences as further evidence of capitalism’s moral failings.
    — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of failing
Noun
  • Silver found that prisoners remained exposed to grave threats of harm and suffering because of systematic deficiencies in their healthcare.
    — Jacques Billeaud, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • After many picked the Rays to finish last in the AL East, Cash maximized the talent on his team and found ways to win, even with some clear roster deficiencies.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of deficiency

Browse Nearby Words

dementia
demerit
demerits
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Cite this Entry

“Demerit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demerit. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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