What does prohibitively mean?
Prohibitively is an adverb meaning that something is so expensive, difficult, or restrictive that it prevents or strongly discourages a particular action. Its most familiar use is in the phrase “prohibitively expensive,” as in a description of hotel rates, insurance premiums, or admission fees that most people cannot afford. It can also apply to conditions that effectively rule out participation, such as prohibitively high membership charges or an impractical distance. The word has a distinctly negative and generally formal connotation because it presents a barrier rather than merely describing a high price. Derived from the adjective prohibitive, it ultimately traces back to the Latin word prohibere, meaning “to hold back” or “forbid.” Prohibitively is useful when the central issue is not simply expense, but whether the expense makes an activity effectively inaccessible.
adverbIn a way that prevents or strongly discourages an action, typically because its cost or difficulty is too great.
- At a cost or level of difficulty high enough to prevent or strongly discourage an action.
"The renovation costs were prohibitively high for most homeowners."
"A weekend in the Alps can be prohibitively expensive for families."
"The insurance premiums were set prohibitively high to discourage young drivers."
Prohibitively began with the image of holding someone back; today, its prices can keep people out.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prohibitively come from?
Prohibitively was formed from the adjective prohibitive by adding the adverbial suffix -ly. The adjective prohibitive comes from prohibit, which derives from Latin prohibere, “to hold back, prevent, or forbid.” Related Latin-derived forms include prohibition, prohibitory, and the verb prohibit.
How prohibitively is actually used
The word has a formal tone and is especially common in economic and legal contexts. It usually indicates that a price, fee, or barrier is so restrictive that many people cannot overcome it; it does not by itself mean that something is legally forbidden.
Easily confused with prohibitively
Prohibitive is an adjective meaning restrictive or forbidding, whereas prohibitively is an adverb describing a cost, price, or barrier that prevents or strongly discourages an action.