What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
penalizable
Example
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a penalizable offense. [penalizable: adjective]
Example
The company's failure to comply with safety regulations is penalizable by law. [penalizable: gerund or present participle]
punishable
Example
Shoplifting is a punishable offense in most countries. [punishable: adjective]
Example
The defendant was found guilty of a crime punishable by imprisonment. [punishable: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Punishable is more commonly used than penalizable in everyday language, especially in the context of criminal law.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between penalizable and punishable?
Penalizable is generally considered more formal than punishable, and is often used in legal or academic contexts.
