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 That contributes to high costs for homes and rentals that have priced some Anchorage residents out of the market, and creates a disincentive for workers that might move here. Alex Demarban, Anchorage Daily News, 17 Aug. 2023 In essence, the proposal is alliance without membership, less a security guarantee to Ukraine than a major disincentive to Moscow. Steven Erlanger, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2023 That’s a disincentive to keep planting fields already threatened by missiles and strewn with explosive mines. Hanna Arhirova, Chicago Tribune, 30 July 2023 Like all complex geopolitical challenges, cyberthreats can be addressed using the right combination of incentives, disincentives, and compromises. Dmitri Alperovitch, Foreign Affairs, 14 Dec. 2021 The engagement ring, in fact, could be seen as a disincentive to marry. Time, 28 June 2023 This should reduce the disincentive for institutions to invest in researchers who focus on riskier or longer term projects. Bycathleen O’Grady, science.org, 16 June 2023 Economists offer mixed views on whether the most recent federal unemployment supplement is a major disincentive to work. Brian Chappatta, Fortune, 14 Apr. 2023 Her office said the goal would be to reduce disincentives for in-person work, make the budget less reliant on a small number of large companies and help San Francisco compete better with other cities. J.d. Morris, San Francisco Chronicle, 1 Mar. 2023 See More

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 3 Oct. 2023.

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