ScienceAugust 18, 2026

disincentive

dis-in-SEN-tiv

Definition

A factor or policy that discourages a specific action or behavior by making it less attractive or more costly to perform.

Etymology

The word is formed by adding the prefix 'dis-' (reversal or negation) to 'incentive', which comes from the Latin 'incentivus' meaning 'setting the tune' or 'inciting'.

In the news

The author argues that current measures against science fraud are insufficient because they lack a 'scary disincentive' to stop perpetrators from profiting through paper mills.

Op-Ed: Science fraud is an expensive disaster damaging real science. It has to be stopped.

Read the full article ↗

Digital Journal

Related words

antennal

Relating to or pertaining to the antennae, which are the sensory appendages on the heads…

Science

artefacts

In the context of digital data and AI-generated text, these are unintended or erroneous…

Science

astrobiology

The scientific study of the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the…

Science

corkscrew

A device or structure characterized by a spiral shape, typically used to pierce and pull…

Science

cryogenic

Relating to or involving very low temperatures, typically those approaching absolute zero.

Science

downwash

The downward movement of air forced away from the blades or thrusters of an aircraft.

Science

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.