negative option

American  

[neg-uh-tiv op-shuhn] / ˈnɛg ə tɪv ˈɒp ʃən /

noun

1. a clause in a sales contract, such as for a series of books or records, that provides that merchandise will be sent periodically to subscribers unless they notify the company in writing that it is not wanted.

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Other Word Forms

• negative-option adjective

Etymology

Origin of negative option

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

When the FTC started investigating negative option programs, “we were stunned to see just how deliberate a business strategy it is,” Khan, who oversaw the regulation’s development, told Torre.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 11, 2025

“We certainly do not endorse the use of unfair and deceptive practices in negative option marketing,” they wrote.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 11, 2025

Industry could hardly be unaware that the rule was under consideration; businesses had mobilized to protect negative option marketing starting at least in 2019, and they hardly lacked for resources to “dissuade” the commission.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 11, 2025

The FTC acknowledged in 2019 that its current rule addressing negative-option plans is too narrow to “reach most modern negative option marketing.”

From Washington Post • Jun. 2, 2021

“A subscription doesn’t have to be a negative option, but it almost always is,” he said, based on his observations of the industry.

From Washington Post • Jun. 2, 2021