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Glite Dictionary
balkiness

balkiness

9.3
Being slow to start or likely to stop suddenly
  • noun
  • /ˈbɔːkɪnəs/
  • US
translation icon : dificultad
  • The balkiness of the old car made it hard to drive.

Examples

  • Software updates were delayed due to the balkiness of the outdated computers.

  • The balkiness of the old lawn mower made yard work frustrating every spring.

  • Her horse's balkiness was well known among the trainers at the stable.

  • Her balkiness during the presentation was noticeable.

  • The engine's balkiness made it difficult to start the car on cold mornings.

  • Her balkiness during the project caused delays and frustration among the team members.

  • John noticed the balkiness of the old printer when it frequently jammed while printing.

Synonyms

unreliableness
vsbalkiness
7.4

Not able to be trusted to work or be right

is specifically about difficulty starting, staying active, or stopping unexpectedly

Antonyms

reliability
60 3.5

A person or thing you can trust to work well every time

cooperativeness
1 3.6

A willingness to work with other people to reach a common goal

How Willing

willingness
194 2.8
reluctance
68 3.6
balkiness
  • US
9.3
stubbornness
21 3.6

Surface Forms

balkiness singular
balkinesses plural

Morphology

balkiness = balky (transparent) = balk + y + ness

Formed by the regular noun-forming suffix '-ness' attached to the adjective 'balky', preserving the adjective's meaning.

Etymology

The word balkiness comes from the verb balk, which means 'to stop' or 'refuse' and was often used for a horse that suddenly would not move. So balkiness is the quality of being likely to stop or fail to continue, like a stubborn horse or a machine that keeps refusing to start.