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

Mahmood believes Denmark's policies serve as a disincentive for people to seek asylum in the first place and is impressed that successful claims are at a 40-year low.

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She believes Denmark's policies serve as a disincentive for people to seek asylum in the first place and is impressed that successful claims are at a 40-year low.

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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.

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The move has been broadly welcomed, but some business groups said Labour's Employment Rights Bill included some disincentives to hiring people with existing illnesses.

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“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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Related Words

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