The word incentive refers to a motivator or a reward offered to encourage a person or group to take a specific action or behave in a certain way. It can be a tangible or intangible factor that stimulates effort or drives a particular behavior. Incentives are commonly used in both personal and professional contexts to promote achievement, engagement, or compliance with certain expectations.
Ten Sentences Using “Incentive”
- The company offered a financial incentive to employees who met their sales targets.
- A free vacation was provided as an incentive for customers to buy the product.
- The government introduced tax cuts as an incentive to encourage small business growth.
- Offering praise can be a powerful incentive for children to perform well in school.
- The bonus program acts as an incentive for workers to complete tasks ahead of schedule.
- The school gave students extra credit as an incentive to participate in community service.
- Charitable donations were used as an incentive to increase fundraising efforts.
- The promise of career advancement can serve as a strong incentive for employees.
- Discounts on future purchases were used as an incentive to retain loyal customers.
- Providing flexible working hours is an incentive that attracts many top candidates to the job.
Synonyms for “Incentive”
- Motivation
- Stimulus
- Encouragement
- Reward
- Inducement
- Prompt
- Impetus
- Persuasion
- Catalyst
- Spur
Antonyms for “Incentive”
- Deterrent
- Disincentive
- Obstacle
- Hindrance
- Discouragement
- Impediment
- Barrier
- Dissuasion
- Penalty
- Punishment
Phrasal Verbs for “Incentive”
- Drive forward (to push or motivate progress with an incentive)
- Egg on (to encourage or motivate someone with an incentive, often used in a negative sense)
- Push for (to actively encourage a particular goal or outcome using an incentive)
- Set up (to establish an incentive structure or program)
- Follow through (to complete an action that was initially motivated by an incentive)
- Play on (to take advantage of an incentive to motivate behavior)
Idiomatic Expressions for “Incentive”
- Carrot and stick: A combination of reward (carrot) and punishment (stick) used to motivate behavior.
- Sweeten the deal: To improve an offer by adding an incentive or additional benefit.
- Hook someone in: To attract or engage someone with an incentive or offer.
- Light a fire under someone: To motivate someone to take action using a strong incentive.
- Give someone a leg up: To offer an incentive that helps someone gain an advantage or opportunity.
- Lead someone by the nose: To control or persuade someone using incentives (usually in a negative context).
- Put your money where your mouth is: To back up promises with a real incentive or reward.
