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

“Right now, there’s this terrible disincentive for self-improvement and for marriage. If you marry and have two incomes, you pay more in rent.”

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"Clearly, the rush hour trains are already packed. And if you remove the disincentive to travel, it would mean more would want to travel on those trains," said Bruce Williamson from campaign group Railfuture.

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Some also argue that this can disincentive councils from addressing the root problem, as empty homes bring them more income through the premium tax rates.

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Sources close to the situation told the BBC that the politicisation of the water industry was a major disincentive for investors to put money into the sector.

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He said he was concerned about that police adding that there is "no disincentive" for festival-goers who attempt to bring drugs into the event and could "give rise to risk of future death".

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Related Words

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