The meaning of DEMERIT is offense. How to use demerit in a sentence.

DEMERIT definition: 1. a fault or disadvantage: 2. a mark given to someone, especially a student in a school, because…. Learn more.

DEMERIT definition: a mark against a person for misconduct or deficiency. See examples of demerit used in a sentence.

A quality or characteristic deserving of blame or censure; a fault. b. Absence of merit. 2. A mark made against one's record for a fault or for misconduct.

Definition of demerit noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. [usually plural] a fault in something or a disadvantage of something. (North American English) a mark on …

That discusses and debates the technical and economic merits, demerits and feasibility of a proposed common protocol.

Nov 29, 2025 · demerit (countable and uncountable, plural demerits) A quality of being inadequate; a disadvantage, a fault. quotations

de•mer•it (di mer′ it), n. a mark against a person for misconduct or deficiency: If you receive four demerits during a term, you will be expelled from school. culpability. [Obs.]merit or desert.

There are seven meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun demerit, four of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

A demerit is a mark or point given for a fault or offense, a sign or evidence of a failing or defect in a person's character, behavior or performance. It is a penalty or negative mark that is given as …