disincentive

American  

[dis-in-sen-tiv] / ˌdɪs ɪnˈsɛn tɪv /

noun

1. something that discourages or deters; deterrent.

   High interest rates and government regulations are disincentives to investment.

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disincentive British  

/ ˌdɪsɪnˈsɛntɪv /

noun

1. something that acts as a deterrent

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adjective

1. acting as a deterrent

   a disincentive effect on productivity

Etymology

Origin of disincentive

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

Example Sentences

In postwar America, the 40-hour week became the norm for millions of workers, with overtime pay acting as a disincentive for employers to require longer hours.

From The Wall Street Journal

"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.

From BBC

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.

From BBC

Indeed, studies have shown that asset limits create disincentives for low-income families to save.

From Salon

As contracts begin to wind down, the NAO said there is a disincentive for the private companies to spend money before they hand over responsibility for maintaining the buildings to public bodies.

From BBC

Related Words

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