1
Core quality
So high in cost, difficulty, or burden that it prevents an action or use.
Example
For many schools, the equipment's cost remains prohibitive.
prohibitive
/prəˈhɪbɪtɪv/ · pruh-HIB-ih-tivadjective
So high in cost, difficulty, or burden that it prevents an action or use.
Use prohibitive to express this relationship precisely: so high in cost, difficulty, or burden that it prevents an action or use.
What prohibitive Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
A prohibitive entrance fee sharply reduced attendance.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
The terrain made transporting the machinery prohibitively difficult.
Use prohibitive Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
For many schools, the equipment's cost remains prohibitive.
A prohibitive entrance fee sharply reduced attendance.
The terrain made transporting the machinery prohibitively difficult.
Precision Matters
Prohibitive overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
prohibitive
vs.Means so high in cost, difficulty, or burden that it prevents an action or use.
exorbitant
Means unreasonably high or excessive.
prohibitive
vs.Means so high in cost, difficulty, or burden that it prevents an action or use.
insurmountable
Means too great or difficult to overcome.
prohibitive
vs.Means so high in cost, difficulty, or burden that it prevents an action or use.
preclude
Means to prevent something from happening or make it impossible.
prohibitive
vs.Means so high in cost, difficulty, or burden that it prevents an action or use.
impede
Means to prevent, obstruct, or slow progress.
Test prohibitive in Context
The price is so high that it stops the clinics from adopting the material.
1
Although the material performs well, its ___ price prevents most clinics from using it.