prohibitive

adjective

pro·​hib·​i·​tive prō-ˈhi-bə-tiv 

prə-

1

: tending to prohibit or restrain

2

: tending to preclude use or purchase

prohibitive costs

3

: almost certain to perform as predicted

a prohibitive favorite

prohibitively adverb

prohibitiveness noun

Examples of prohibitive in a Sentence

the prohibitive cost of rent

Recent Examples on the Web

Even beyond the numbers, their roster construction and top-end talent make them as prohibitive of a favorite as the NHL has seen in the salary-cap era. —Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 18 Apr. 2026

So far, however, the complexity of learning how to self-secure and custody crypto has been prohibitive to many prospective crypto investors, which has allowed exchanges like Coinbase and Gemini Space Station – two of the earliest in the game – to thrive. —Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026

If cost is cited as a barrier, it must be shown to be truly prohibitive — not just inconvenient. —Charles Rilli, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2026

The county changed its stance with new regulations in December that allowed ultralight access within certain guidelines, which pilots have claimed are overly-restrictive and cost-prohibitive for hobbyists who fly the relatively inexpensive aircraft. —Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for prohibitive

• inhibitive

Kids Definition

prohibitive

adjective

pro·​hib·​i·​tive prō-ˈhib-ət-iv 

: likely to discourage use or purchase

prohibitive prices

prohibitively adverb