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

Healthcare insurance coverage or preventive care is a different story as the cost can be prohibitive for many. — Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 24 Aug. 2026

The cost to view the fourth-ever WNBA matchup between Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark from the upper deck — less than a week after the scintillating third meeting in Indianapolis — was not overly prohibitive. — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Although not the prohibitive favorite in the SEC, the Tide are still College Football Playoff contenders and are itching for some payback. — Andre C. Fernandez, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026

While some credit unions have prohibitive membership requirements, anyone can join this online institution by becoming a member of the American Consumer Council for free. — Cnbc Select, CNBC, 18 Aug. 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