Prohibitive

usgb/prəʊˈhɪbətɪv/
adjective

So high or difficult that it prevents people from doing something.

The cost of private healthcare can be prohibitive for many people.
Visual representation of "prohibitive" - so high or difficult that it prevents people from doing something

Often appears as...

  • prohibitive cost
  • prohibitive price
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "prohibitive"
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Financial Barrier

Indicates a price or cost is so high, it stops people from buying or doing something.

Illustration for Financial Barrier
The prohibitive cost of the software kept small businesses from purchasing it.
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Not Literal

Sometimes it's used to describe non-financial barriers, like time or skill.

Illustration for Not Literal
The difficulty of the entrance exam is prohibitive for many students.
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Discouraging

Can imply that people are discouraged from trying because something seems too hard or expensive.

Illustration for Discouraging
The prohibitive level of training required made many reconsider pursuing that career.
Visual representation of the word "Prohibitive"

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