balkier; balkiest
: refusing or likely to refuse to proceed, act, or function as directed or expected
a balky mule
a balky engine
balkiness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of balky in a Sentence
a balky toddler who only seemed to know the word “no” when told to do something
Recent Examples on the Web
On fourth down Allar, who fought gamely while playing with a balky left knee, threw incomplete to tight end Khalil Dinkins.
—
Will Graves, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 2024
White is being backed up by Cobie Durant, who also has a balky hamstring.
—Jay Paris, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024
But the hi-tech equipment proved balky in its first live test.
—Bruce Haring, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2024
The original May 6 launch was scuttled hours before takeoff due to a balky rocket valve.
—Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2024
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Will Graves, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 2024
White is being backed up by Cobie Durant, who also has a balky hamstring.
—Jay Paris, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024
But the hi-tech equipment proved balky in its first live test.
—Bruce Haring, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2024
The original May 6 launch was scuttled hours before takeoff due to a balky rocket valve.
—Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for balky
Dictionary Entries Near balky
Cite this Entry
“Balky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balky. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
balky
adjective
balkier; balkiest
: likely to refuse to act or function as directed or expected
a balky mule
a balky engine
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