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

In one survey of large enterprises, more than half of AI projects never make it past pilot, often because weak ideas linger until the costs of reversing them become politically or technically prohibitive. —Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026

Still, giving him this kind of money is prohibitive for everyone but the Dodgers. —Chris Branch, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026

While a full set of silk sheets can be cost prohibitive, starting out with a silk pillowcase is a great option and often recommended for skin and hair care. —Mary Grace Granados special Contributor, Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026

In my experience, the number one reason people back away from bridge financing is prohibitive expenses. —Jeff Lazerson, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 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