disincentivize

American  

[dis-in-sen-ti-vahyz] / ˌdɪs ɪnˈsɛn tɪˌvaɪz /

verb (used with object)

disincentivized, disincentivizing

1. to discourage or deter by removing incentives: More affordable cholesterol-lowering medication may disincentivize people from adopting a vegetarian diet.

   The expiration of tax credits will disincentivize future participation in the energy-efficiency program.

   More affordable cholesterol-lowering medication may disincentivize people from adopting a vegetarian diet.

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Etymology

Origin of disincentivize

First recorded in 1985–90; dis- ¹ ( def. ) + incentivize ( def. )

Example Sentences

The league made it harder for the worst teams to secure the best prospects in a bid to disincentivize teams from copying the Sabres’ dismal playbook.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

States have led the way in enacting laws to disincentivize the use of AI for ill.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2024

There’s no public count for retweets, for instance, which can disincentivize outrage baiting.

From Slate • Jul. 8, 2023

Raising prices aims to disincentivize skiers on peak days.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 13, 2023

The groups said the legislation is a good first step but argued that it doesn't do enough to disincentivize other garbage incineration plants currently operating across the state.

From Salon • Feb. 9, 2023