A demerit is a mark or point given as a penalty for breaking a rule or doing something wrong. Think of it as the opposite of earning a gold star. If your school gives out demerits, you might receive one for being late to class, talking during quiet time, or forgetting your homework. Collect too many demerits, and you might face consequences like detention or losing privileges.

Military academies like West Point are famous for their demerit systems, where cadets can receive demerits for infractions like having a messy uniform or missing curfew.

In everyday conversation, you might hear someone joke about getting demerits for minor mistakes, like showing up to practice without the right equipment. Unlike serious punishments, demerits often work as warnings that add up over time. They give people chances to correct their behavior before facing bigger consequences. The system assumes that keeping track of small mistakes can help people learn responsibility and self-discipline.