Skip to content

demerito

demerit

noun deh-MEH-ree-toh Rare

Origin: From Latin demeritum ('that which is deserved as punishment').

Also means

fault

Usage Note

Demerito is the opposite of merito ('merit') and refers to a flaw, shortcoming, or mark against someone. It appears in formal assessments: a suo demerito ('to his discredit'). It is also used in school grading systems in some countries. The plural demeriti is common. Do not confuse with colpa ('fault/guilt'), which implies blame for a specific act.

Examples

"Questo è certamente un suo demerito."

Natural Translation

This is certainly a fault of his.

Explore Italian by topic