balky

[ baw-kee ]

adjective

, balk·i·er, balk·i·est.

1. given to balking; stubborn; obstinate:

   a balky mule.

   Synonyms: pigheaded, mulish, headstrong, perverse, contrary

balky

/ ˈbɔːkɪ; ˈbɔːlkɪ /

adjective

1. inclined to stop abruptly and unexpectedly

   a balky horse

Derived Forms

• ˈbalkily, adverb
• ˈbalkiness, noun

Other Words From

• balki·ly adverb
• balki·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of balky¹

First recorded in 1840–50; balk + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Car campers appreciate the tools to accomplish any camp chore under the sun, from trimming kindling to fixing a balky camp stove.

From Outside Online

Given this city’s oversupply of fountains and water features that are balky, underperforming or in total disrepair, building another one to frame a performance stage makes little sense.

From Washington Post

Take a closer look at the trackIf your door still feels balky, the track might be damaged.

From Popular-Science

People across the country and throughout Maryland and Virginia have also struggled to secure vaccine appointments, due to a limited supply of shots and balky signup systems unable to handle demand.

From Washington Post

The first task was overhauling America’s balky election infrastructure–in the middle of a pandemic.

From Time

Then, with wind blowing him out horizontal under the wing, he hooks a boot on that balky wheel, kicks the mother home.

From The Daily Beast

Then suddenly around the corners of his under lip a little balky smile began to flicker.

From Project Gutenberg

If the design of his craft was faulty and it proved “balky” when he attempted flight, he had only himself to blame.

From Project Gutenberg

For nearly a score of years they pulled like a pair of balky horses--what time they were not doing the monkey and parrot act.

From Project Gutenberg

A balky team or a break in the harness requires prompt relief or all will be lost.

From Project Gutenberg

Horses balky and unused to work, had to unhitch one and returned with but little drill.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• unruly