demerit

1. N-COUNT A demerit is a mark against someone, or on someone's record, for having done something bad or wrong. 过失[美国英语] [正式]

Demerits were given to students for late attendance at prayers. 祷告会上迟到的学生被记过了。

2. N-COUNT The demerits of something or someone are their faults or disadvantages. 缺点[正式] [usu pl, usu with poss]

...articles debating the merits and demerits of the three candidates. ...讨论三位候选人优缺点的文章。