distortionary

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "distortionary" is usable in written English, though it is not commonly used.
It can be applied in contexts discussing economic policies or effects that lead to distortions in markets or behaviors. Example: "The new tax policy has a distortionary effect on consumer spending, leading to unintended consequences." Alternatives include "distorting" or "misleading."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

3. It now seems that it is politically impossible to get a mining tax that is not seriously distortionary due to a range of exemptions and concessions.

The Economist

Another tradition favours it because the distortionary costs associated with taxes are non-linear: they rise more than proportionately with the rates at which taxes are collected.

The Economist

When the Fed overshoots on inflation there is some economic cost from relative price distortions but when that overshooting occurs while an economy is at the zero lower bound those distortionary costs are mostly if not entirely offset by reduced probability of future output losses from inadequate monetary policy.

The Economist

But there is a contradiction between these arguments: if controls have no effect, how can they be distortionary?In this section Domino theory Naked self-interest German shepherding The brighter side Slow Canada Kabuki economics Fundamental questions Disciplinary measures ReprintsThe new paper provides some welcome clarity on the effectiveness of inflow controls.

The Economist

There is no rationale for continuing to oblige regular taxpayers to pick up the tab for these distortionary favours to major oil companies except that the oil companies want the money.

The Economist

This provides another justification for some progressive form of taxation.On the other hand, progressive income taxes punish success and may have some distortionary effects (on entrepreneurship and job mobility, among other things).

The Economist

However, if people are motivated to work by the idea of leaving their families an inheritance, the tax will be distortionary.

The Economist

Economists historically frowned on minimum wages as distortionary price fixing that reduced demand for workers affected by the wage.

The Economist

It would direct a lot of fiscal firepower at indebted homeowners, but would benefit other taxpayers only indirectly a shortcoming it shares with Mr Feldstein's scheme.Allied to that objection is a bigger one: attempting to put a floor under house prices (or any asset prices) is hugely distortionary.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

But the paper has little to say about what an effective and non-distortionary system would look like.

The Economist

It is a progressive and non-distortionary tax".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distortionary" when specifically referring to policies or actions that cause imbalances or inefficiencies in a system, especially in economic or regulatory contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "distortionary" in general contexts where simpler words like "distorting" or "misleading" would suffice. The term is most impactful when referring to specific distortions in markets or systems.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "distortionary" functions to describe something that has the capacity to distort or cause distortions. It is commonly used in economic contexts to refer to policies, taxes, or other factors that skew market outcomes. Ludwig provides examples highlighting its use in discussing the effects of taxes and regulations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distortionary" is an adjective used to describe something that causes distortion, particularly in economic contexts. Ludwig highlights that it's grammatically correct and appears in reliable sources like The Economist and The New York Times. It is most commonly used in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While not exceedingly common, its usage is consistent and appropriate when describing policies or actions that create imbalances or inefficiencies. According to Ludwig AI, alternatives include "distorting", "skewing", or "misleading", depending on the nuance you want to convey. When using "distortionary", be mindful to avoid overuse in general contexts where simpler terms would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distorting

Direct synonym with broader applicability across contexts.

trade-distorting

Specifically related to the act of distorting trade practices.

skewing

Implies altering something from a straight or neutral position.

perverse

Suggests a deviation from what is considered normal or correct.

misleading

Emphasizes the act of causing someone to believe something that is not true.

contorting

Suggests twisting or bending something out of its normal shape.

twisting

Implies changing the meaning or significance of something, often unfairly.

bending

Signifies altering or influencing something, often in a dishonest way.

warping

Suggests something is out of shape or has lost its original form.

deforming

Implies a significant alteration to something's original shape or structure, often negatively.

FAQs

What does "distortionary" mean?

"Distortionary" means causing a distortion, especially in economic terms where policies or actions can skew markets or behaviors. It implies an undesirable alteration from a normal or efficient state.

How can I use "distortionary" in a sentence?

You might say, "The tax policy had a "distortionary effect" on investment," meaning it negatively altered investment patterns.

What are some alternatives to "distortionary"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "distorting", "skewing", or "misleading" to convey a similar meaning.

What is the difference between "distortionary" and "distorting"?

"Distortionary" specifically describes something capable of causing distortion, often in economic contexts, while "distorting" is a more general term for causing something to be misshapen or misrepresented.