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

“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

In 2019, the FTC began working on expanding its 1973 regulation of book clubs to cover all forms of negative option marketing and published a final rule last November.

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