demerit

Words with a similar base: demerit

'demerit'

[demerit.n.01] as in: a mark against a person for misconduct or failure; usually given in school or armed forces

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Examples:
ten demerits and he loses his privileges

'demerit'

[demerit.n.02] as in: the quality of being inadequate or falling short of perfection

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Examples:
they discussed the merits and demerits of her novel
he knew his own faults much better than she did