C2adjectiveformalworkbusiness
US/prɪˈskrɪp.tɪv/
UK/prɪˈskrɪp.tɪv/
telling people exactly what they must do, rather than leaving them freedom to choose
In context
Staff felt the new rules on remote work were far too prescriptive.
The guide gives advice but is not prescriptive about how to run each meeting.
A less prescriptive approach lets teams find their own solutions.
Words that go with prescriptive
adverb + adjective
- overly prescriptiveInvestors warned that overly prescriptive laws would slow innovation.
- too prescriptiveThe training was too prescriptive and left no room for questions.
adjective + noun
- prescriptive rulesPrescriptive rules can be hard to apply in a fast-changing industry.
- prescriptive approachThe regulator moved away from a prescriptive approach to banking.
adjective + preposition
- prescriptive aboutThe company is not prescriptive about where you work.