prohibitively

Prohibitively is an adverb used to describe something that is so high in price, difficulty, or other constraint that it effectively prevents or discourages action. It modifies adjectives and phrases such as expensive, costly, or accessible, conveying that the degree is beyond what is tolerable or feasible.

In practice, it is most commonly found in discussions of price or regulatory burden: “The house was prohibitively expensive,” “The permit fees were prohibitively high.” It can also describe barriers to entry, such as “prohibitively complex procedures” or “prohibitively strict car emissions standards.” In economics, public policy, and everyday speech, prohibitively signals that a threshold has been crossed and participation or adoption is unlikely.

Usage notes: The term asserts that the level of constraint is extreme, not merely noticeable. While neutral in a dictionary sense, it often carries a critical nuance when used in opinion writing to complain about pricing or rules. It is typically used with adjectives that imply cost, access, or regulatory burden.

Etymology: Prohibitively derives from the adjective prohibitive, from Latin prohibitivus, from prohibere “to prevent, restrain.” The adverbial form with -ly was later formed in English to modify verbs and adjectives.