What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
demerit
Example
The student received a demerit for being late to class. [demerit: noun]
Example
His dishonesty was a major demerit in the eyes of his employer. [demerit: noun]
defect
Example
The car had a defect in the engine that needed to be repaired. [defect: noun]
Example
Her hearing loss was a defect that affected her ability to communicate. [defect: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Defect is more commonly used than demerit in everyday language. Defect is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while demerit is less common and is usually used in educational or disciplinary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between demerit and defect?
Both demerit and defect can be used in formal or professional contexts, but demerit is more commonly associated with disciplinary or legal contexts, while defect is more commonly associated with technical or engineering contexts.
