# punishable

/ˈpənɪʃəbəɫ/ (US) · /pˈʌnɪʃəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/punishable
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

describing an action that is against the law and can result in a penalty, like a fine or time in prison.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "punishable with a fine" but "punishable by a fine" — While 'with' is occasionally seen, 'by' is the standard preposition used to introduce the specific legal penalty.

## Usage notes

- Typically used in legal or formal contexts; frequently appears in the pattern 'punishable by [penalty]'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.