The term "point deduction" refers to a penalty that is imposed on an individual or team for breaking certain rules, regulations, or guidelines. In sports, this can refer to taking points away from a team's score due to infractions such as using an ineligible player, committing a foul, or other violations of the sport's governing body. Point deduction is also used in academic settings where students may receive penalties for plagiarism or cheating on exams, resulting in a reduction of their overall grade.