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

• cop-out
• dodging
• ducking
• eluding
• elusion
• escape
• eschewal
• eschewing
• evasion
• out
• shaking
• shunning

Examples of avoidance in a Sentence

a writer known for avoidance of sentimentality

a complete avoidance of sentimentality

Recent Examples on the Web

The most recent occurred last November, which was the first for 2024, though it was followed about a week later by another avoidance burn. —Josh Dinner, Space.com, 1 May 2025

These fears can manifest as procrastination, avoidance, perfectionism, and even self-sabotage. —Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Tax avoidance by corporations is seen as legal cheating by many voters, while Canadians have soured on China because of a crisis in the relationship between the two countries. —Matina Stevis-Gridneff, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025

National border controls can and often are reinstated intermittently to cope with trafficking, terrorism, epidemics, tax avoidance, and, above all, mass movements of undocumented migrants. —Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025

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