disincentive

[ dis-in-sen-tiv ]

noun

1. something that discourages or deters; deterrent:

   High interest rates and government regulations are disincentives to investment.

disincentive

/ ˌdɪsɪnˈsɛntɪv /

noun

1. something that acts as a deterrent

adjective

1. acting as a deterrent

   a disincentive effect on productivity

Word History and Origins

Origin of disincentive¹

First recorded in 1945–50; dis- ¹ + incentive

Example Sentences

“While reforming the system to reduce work disincentives could potentially improve overall health outcomes, sharp cuts to benefits would likely increase mortality rates.”

From Salon

One musician even questioned whether recording and storing traditional sounds for AI to replicate might be a disincentive for local artists to continue to learn traditional instruments, Ngobi says.

From BBC

Mr Musk has criticised rivals including Boeing for the structure of their government contracts, which he says disincentive finishing projects on budget and on time.

From BBC

Pyro at football matches in Scotland are illegal, but in reality there's no disincentive for fans to use them.

From BBC

"That would hit us and would be a massive disincentive to save."

From BBC

Related Words

• barrier
• difficulty
• hardship
• hindrance
• hitch
• hurdle
• impediment
• interference
• obstruction
• restriction
• snag
• stumbling block