What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prohibitive
Example
The cost of the hotel room was prohibitive, so we decided to stay at a cheaper place. [prohibitive: adjective]
Example
The prohibitive cost of tuition prevented many students from attending the prestigious university. [prohibitive: adjective]
prohibitory
Example
The city council passed a prohibitory ordinance against smoking in public parks. [prohibitory: adjective]
Example
The prohibitory sign on the gate warned visitors not to enter the construction site. [prohibitory: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prohibitory is more commonly used than prohibitive in everyday language, especially in legal or regulatory contexts. Prohibitive is less common and tends to be used in specific situations where cost or difficulty is a significant barrier.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prohibitive and prohibitory?
Both prohibitive and prohibitory are formal words that are typically used in legal, regulatory, or academic contexts. However, prohibitory may be more commonly used in legal contexts, while prohibitive may be more commonly used in academic or economic contexts.
