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

Over-apologizing often stems from social conditioning around agreeableness, humility and conflict avoidance — traits women are still rewarded for socially, even when they’re penalized professionally. —Kelly Ehlers, Rolling Stone, 2 June 2026

In practice, however, activities having to do with dirt, waste, and garbage have been the object of disdain and avoidance in just about every society. —Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026

In 1996, Rød-Larsen was made Minister of Planning and Coordination in Thorbjørn Jagland’s Labour party government but held the position for only 35 days until he was forced to resign amid a tax avoidance scandal. —Ola Morris Innset, The Dial, 2 June 2026

And the cost of this avoidance is financial as well as cultural. —Patrick Jinks, Forbes.com, 1 June 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