diff --git a/INSTALL b/INSTALL
index 9e6579d09..abbe337f6 100644
--- a/INSTALL
+++ b/INSTALL
@@ -239,7 +239,7 @@ Special features/options:
 	on some SysV-based OS's using STREAMS.
 
   --without-passwd
-	This option authentication via the passwd (or shadow) file.
+	This option excludes authentication via the passwd (or shadow) file.
 	It should only be used when another, alternate, authentication
 	scheme is in use.