1. marks given as punishment for bad behavior or poor performance
Usage: often used in schools or military contexts
2. faults or disadvantages of something

Examples

• The student received three demerits for talking during class.
• Too many demerits could result in detention or suspension.
• The proposal has both merits and demerits that we need to consider.
• One of the plan’s main demerits is its high cost.
• The cadet was assigned extra duties after accumulating several demerits.
• We should weigh the merits against the demerits before making a decision.
• His behavior earned him enough demerits to lose his privileges.