Demerit — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /di-ˈmer-ət/ de·mer·it

Meaning & Definition of Demerit

Demerit (noun)

  1. offense
  2. a quality that deserves blame or lacks merit, fault, defect
  3. lack of merit

Demerit (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a defect in character

    "my keyboarding has the advantage of speed but the demerit of inaccuracy"

    similar: dereliction, failing, fault, foible, frailty, shortcoming, sin, vice, want, weakness, feet of clay
    related: blot, spot, stain, blemish, deficiency, flaw, imperfection, minus, nit, Achilles' heel, soft spot, corruption, depravity, evil, immorality, sinfulness, wickedness
    opposite: merit, virtue
    near: excellence, perfection, goodness, integrity, morality, probity, rectitude, righteousness

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Demerit

The most common words with a similar meaning to Demerit:

dereliction, failing, fault, foible, frailty, shortcoming, sin, vice, want, weakness, feet of clay

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Demerit

Words with the opposite meaning of Demerit:

merit, virtue

Related Words for Demerit

blot, spot, stain, blemish, deficiency, flaw, imperfection, minus, nit, Achilles' heel, soft spot, corruption, depravity, evil, immorality, sinfulness, wickedness

Near Antonyms of Demerit

excellence, perfection, goodness, integrity, morality, probity, rectitude, righteousness

Origin & Etymology of Demerit

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French demerite, from Medieval Latin demeritum, from neuter of demeritus, past participle of demerēre to be undeserving of, from Latin, to earn, from de- + merēre to merit

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Demerit

What does "Demerit" mean?

"Demerit" means offense. As a noun, it is defined as: offense.

What is another word for "Demerit"?

Other words for "Demerit" include dereliction, failing, fault, foible, frailty, shortcoming, sin and vice. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Demerit" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Demerit"?

There are 28 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Demerit". Common alternatives include dereliction, failing, fault, foible, frailty, shortcoming, sin, vice, want and weakness.

What is the opposite of "Demerit"?

Antonyms of "Demerit" include merit and virtue. Near antonyms include excellence, perfection, goodness and integrity.

How do you use "Demerit" in a sentence?

Examples of "Demerit" in a sentence: "my keyboarding has the advantage of speed but the demerit of inaccuracy".

Is "Demerit" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Demerit" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Demerit"?

"Demerit" is pronounced /di-ˈmer-ət/ and divided into syllables as de·mer·it.

What is the origin of the word "Demerit"?

"Demerit" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French demerite, from Medieval Latin demeritum, from neuter of demeritus, past participle of demerēre to be undeserving of, from Latin, to earn, from de- + merēre to merit. First known use: 15th century.