demerit
noun
1. a mark against a person for misconduct or failure; usually given in school or armed forces
- ten demerits and he loses his privileges
Definition categories: communication, brand, mark, stain, stigma
2. the quality of being inadequate or falling short of perfection
- they discussed the merits and demerits of her novel
Similar word(s): fault
verb
1. (transitive, archaic) To deserve.
2. (transitive, archaic) To depreciate or cry down.