incentive
noun [ C or U ] uk/ɪnˈsen.tɪv/ us/ɪnˈsen.t̬ɪv/
C2 激励，刺激，鼓励
something that encourages a person to do something
Tax incentives have been very effective in encouraging people to save and invest more of their income. 税收激励措施在鼓励人们将收入多储蓄和多投资方面很有效。
[ + to infinitive ] There is little incentive for people to leave their cars at home when public transport remains so expensive. 公共交通的费用居高不下，无法激励人们停开私家车。
Bonus payments provide an incentive to work harder. 支付奖金能刺激人们更努力工作。
Compare: motivation (REASON)
Opposite: disincentive
- More examples
- Indexation of pay rises to productivity will give people an incentive to work harder.
- The incentive to sell more is large - and it plainly works.
- The management have introduced a productivity incentive scheme for members of staff.
- Tax incentives have been offered to attract industry to the region.
- The new law provides incentives for businesses to invest in recycling equipment.