Incentive

Something that encourages a person or organization to act.

Reach for it when naming an external reason that changes the appeal of a choice

Free training gave small workshops an incentive to adopt safer equipment.

• playful

  carrot

  informal contrast with punishment is useful

  not when Carrot can sound cynical and reduce complex motivation to a crude transaction.

• everyday

  motivation

  the reason may be internal, personal, or external

  not when Motivation describes a state of wanting, while an incentive is the offered cause.

• everyday

  reason

  neutral explanation is safer than assuming behavior was bought

  not when A reason can explain behavior without making the person more willing to act.

• everyday

  reward

  a benefit follows successful action

  not when A reward comes afterward, while an incentive works through expectation.

• warm

  encouragement

  support or reassurance makes action feel possible

  not when Encouragement need not carry a material or measurable benefit.

• professional

  stimulus

  a policy or input is intended to increase activity

  not when Stimulus is impersonal and often applies to whole markets rather than one choice.

• formal

  inducement

  a benefit is deliberately offered to secure action

  not when Inducement can imply manipulation or payment for improper conduct.

• deterrent
• disincentive
• penalty

• financial incentive

  A financial incentive helped owners repair unsafe balconies before winter.

• strong incentive

  Reliable bus service creates a strong incentive to leave the car at home.

• offer an incentive

  The cooperative will offer an incentive for returning reusable containers.

• tax incentive

  A temporary tax incentive supported repairs to occupied historic homes.