Penalty meaning

noun

1. the act of punishing

   Synonymspunishmentpenalizationpenalisation

2. a payment required for not fulfilling a contract

3. the disadvantage or painful consequences of an action or condition

   “neglected his health and paid the penalty”

   Oppositesreward

4. (games) a handicap or disadvantage that is imposed on a competitor (or a team) for an infraction of the rules of the game