pen·al·ty / ˈpenltē/ • n. (pl. -ties) 1. a punishment imposed for breaking a law, rule, or contract: the charge carries a maximum penalty of ten years' imprisonment. ∎  a disadvantage or unpleasant experience suffered as the result of an action or circumstance: the cold never leaves my bones these days—one of the penalties of age.2. (in sports and games) a disadvantage or handicap imposed on a player or team, typically for infringement of rules. ∎  a kick or shot awarded to a team because of a serious infringement of the rules by an opponent. ∎  Bridge points won by the defenders when a declarer fails to make the contract.PHRASES: under (or on) penalty of under the threat of: he ordered enterprises to fulfill contracts under penalty of strict fines.

PENALTY

A punitive measure that the law imposes for the performance of an act that is proscribed, or for the failure to perform a required act.

Penalty is a comprehensive term with many different meanings. It entails the concept of punishment—either corporal or pecuniary, civil or criminal—although its meaning is usually confined to pecuniary punishment. The law can impose a penalty, and a private contract can provide for its assessment. Pecuniary penalties are frequently negotiated in construction contracts, in the event that the project is not completed by the specified date.