as in weakness
a defect in character
my keyboarding has the advantage of speed but the demerit of inaccuracy
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of demerit
Scores are based on a demerit system.
—
Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Jan. 2026
The merit and demerits of the notes above should be pretty obvious.
—Phil Blair, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Dec. 2025
Tickets for inattentive driving also result in four demerit points on your record.
—Jacob Wilt, jsonline.com, 26 Nov. 2025
As a do-it-all shoe, however, the SL Evo has two major demerits.
—Scott Douglas, Outside, 12 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for demerit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demerit
Noun
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The strengths and weaknesses are always shown in a game like this.—
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According to the Mayo Clinic, CMS is caused by a gene change that results in muscle weakness, which worsens with physical activity.—
Noun
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In the past, American capitalism, despite its many faults, had managed to develop a safety net that compensated a little for its exploitations.—
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Jones added that there are hundreds of faults in Southern California.—
Noun
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That, plus the lack of talent and cap space thanks to the sins of the Deshaun Watson contract, for which general manager Andrew Berry was somehow spared, makes life difficult for whatever quarterback(s) start for the Browns in 2026.—
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Yet what elevates the show is its focus on gender relations and atoning for the sins of the past, adding layers of depth beyond its lurid plotting and somewhat ridiculousness.—
Noun
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Not only because of what happened the last time Green Bay played in Chicago, as another trip there looms this week, but also because of what has happened in recent Packers playoff appearances and the chronic shortcomings plaguing special teams in Green Bay.—
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When evaluating the defensive shortcomings from this past season, Schottenheimer has pointed at the lack of takeaways multiple times.—
Noun
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Stephen Ross, the Miami Dolphins’ majority owner since 2009, is now looking for his eighth different head coach in a parade of floundering, flailing and failing.—
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Robotics startups typically prefer to show off their research prototypes in videos on social media, offering them the opportunity to show the machines at their best and edit out their failings.—
Noun
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At least in the interim, Duke deserves credit for finding ways to win despite some of its defensive deficiencies.—
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To combat this, our program overcorrected for the deficiencies of remote work, investing in in-person experiences and human connection.—
Cite this Entry
“Demerit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demerit. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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