# sin tax

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/sin-tax
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A government-imposed tax on a specific good, service, or activity which is legal but widely considered to be unwholesome or socially harmful, such as a tax on alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or gambling.

## Examples

- The government adds a sin tax to cigarettes and alcohol.
- Many countries use a sin tax to discourage people from buying products that are bad for their health.
- Economists often debate whether a sin tax effectively reduces consumption or simply places an unfair financial burden on those struggling with addiction.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.