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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Deadlines and a combination of incentives to change and disincentives to stick with the old. Zak Doffman, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025 If Russia is faced not just by a trip-wire NATO peacekeeping force, primarily from Britain and France, but also by entrenched American commercial interests, heavy industry, and personnel, the combination would amount to a major disincentive to renew its aggression. Hugo Gurdon, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025 Because nuclear war would result in mutually assured destruction for both sides and conventional conflict could easily escalate to the nuclear level, the U.S. and Soviet governments had strong disincentives to fight each other. Roseanne McManus, Foreign Affairs, 24 Jan. 2025 Pet owners must pay for most of these steps, which can be a further disincentive. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disincentive

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disincentive was in 1946

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disincentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disincentive. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disincentive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!