avoidance

noun

avoid·​ance ə-ˈvȯi-dᵊn(t)s 

1

obsolete

a

: an action of emptying, vacating, or clearing away

b

: outlet

2

: annulment sense 1

3

: an act or practice of avoiding or withdrawing from something

Synonyms of avoidance

• escape
• evasion
• dodging

Examples of avoidance in a Sentence

a writer known for avoidance of sentimentality

a complete avoidance of sentimentality

Recent Examples on the Web

Its digitally advanced procurement organizations outperformed followers across cost savings, cost avoidance, stakeholder satisfaction and supplier performance. — Magda Paslaru, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Family offices, which are especially sensitive to their reputations, may be especially wary of being named in a potential tax-avoidance scandal. — Robert Frank, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2026

Recognize some of the signs your child might be feeling anxious, such as sleep problems, avoidance of activities or doomscrolling. — Julie Dobrow, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2026

The cost of our avoidance of clozapine is invisible but enormous, measured in people who stay sick, and in lives that end early, for want of a drug already sitting on the shelf. — Nitin Gogtay, STAT, 4 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

avoidance

noun

avoid·​ance ə-ˈvȯid-ᵊn(t)s 

: the act or an instance of avoiding something

Medical Definition

avoidance

noun

avoid·​ance ə-ˈvȯid-ᵊn(t)s 

often attributive

: the act or practice of keeping away from or withdrawing from something undesirable

reinforced by escape or avoidance of electric shock

—E. S. Katkin & E. N. Murray

avoidance learning

especially : an anticipatory response undertaken to avoid a noxious stimulus

conditioned avoidance in mice