Word
punishable
Phoneticspun·ish·able
US/ˈpənɪʃəbəɫ/
UK/pˈʌnɪʃəbəl/
Definition
adj. describing an action that is against the law and can result in a penalty, like a fine or time in prison.
adj. subject to a judicial or administrative penalty. Often followed by the preposition 'by' to indicate the specific consequence.
Examples
“Driving too fast is punishable by a fine.”
“In many countries, shoplifting is a crime punishable by community service or a significant financial penalty.”
“The new legislation ensures that any breach of data privacy is punishable by fines proportional to the company's annual turnover, rather than a fixed flat fee.”
Examples
simple
“Driving too fast is punishable by a fine.”
contextual
“In many countries, shoplifting is a crime punishable by community service or a significant financial penalty.”
complex
“The new legislation ensures that any breach of data privacy is punishable by fines proportional to the company's annual turnover, rather than a fixed flat fee.”
Usage
Typically used in legal or formal contexts; frequently appears in the pattern 'punishable by [penalty]'.
Pitfall
punishable with a fine
punishable by a fine
While 'with' is occasionally seen, 'by' is the standard preposition used to introduce the specific legal penalty.
Real-World Examples
“In Singapore, sending a false message is punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine of up to S$10,000 (about US$7,800; £5,900), or both.” “The offence is punishable by death under Zambian law.” “There is one crime in my religion thought to be punishable by hell.” Etymology
From punish + -able.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/punishable