B2nounlawsport
US/ˈpen.əl.ti/
UK/ˈpen.əl.ti/
a punishment for breaking a rule or law; in football, a free shot at goal
In context
The penalty for not wearing a helmet is a fine of several hundred thousand dong.
Vietnam won the match after scoring a penalty in the last minute.
If you cancel the contract early, you have to pay a penalty.
Words that go with penalty
verb + noun
- pay a penaltyLate taxpayers must pay a penalty.
- score a penaltyHe scored a penalty to make it two-one.
adjective + noun
- heavy penaltyCompanies that pollute rivers face heavy penalties.
noun + noun
- death penaltySome countries still use the death penalty.
- penalty shootoutThe final went to a penalty shootout.
noun + preposition
- penalty forWhat is the penalty for parking here?
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He got a penalty of 2 million because of speeding.Correct: He got a 2-million-dong fine for speeding.