demerit meaning and definition

DEMERIT noun

Definition of 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"
2. the quality of being inadequate or falling short of perfection
   • "they discussed the merits and demerits of her novel"; "he knew his own faults much better than she did"
   • synonyms: fault
   • antonym: merit