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
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
Eventually, all the balky presses got going, and the Chicago Tribune completed its final Freedom Center run at 12:48 a.m. on Sunday.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for balky 
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
Eventually, all the balky presses got going, and the Chicago Tribune completed its final Freedom Center run at 12:48 a.m. on Sunday.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for balky
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'balky.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Balky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balky. Accessed 4 Nov. 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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