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
See all Example Sentences for balky 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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 30 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share