disincentive

noun

dis·​in·​cen·​tive ˌdis-in-ˈsen-tiv How to pronounce disincentive (audio)

Examples of disincentive in a Sentence

We considered volunteering, but the complicated application process was a disincentive. The complicated application process was a disincentive to volunteering our time.
Recent Examples on the Web Then, its system deletes all the tax data the consumers have entered, requiring them to start their tax return from scratch, creating a big disincentive to downgrading. Kate Gibson, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2024 In recent years, governments have attempted to address climate change and the causes contributing to it through myriad tax incentives and disincentives. Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 And that will provide a disincentive for individuals to come to this country, really sacrificing so much in their lives, for a path that no longer can be exploited. CBS News, 4 Feb. 2024 Are there really so many people out there who see musicals as a disincentive? Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2024 The coalition proposes legislation to launch a trial of removing disincentives for kidney donors who give to strangers. WSJ, 5 Dec. 2023 By attaching high tariffs to these parts, New Delhi has provided a powerful disincentive for firms contemplating investment in the country. Arvind Subramanian, Foreign Affairs, 9 Dec. 2022 The Office of the Inspector General is responsible for enforcement against health IT developers and health information exchanges and networks, but not health care providers; HHS is working on a separate rule establishing disincentives for providers. Mohana Ravindranath, STAT, 11 July 2023 That’s a concern not only for the companies, but also for consumers who could end up paying higher electricity bills — an unfair burden for low-income families, and a disincentive for anyone thinking about getting an electric car. Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'disincentive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disincentive was in 1946

Dictionary Entries Near disincentive

Cite this Entry

“Disincentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disincentive. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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