balky

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Even with his career at its pinnacle and before his back became chronically balky, Woods found his way onto tabloid headlines.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Maintaining and fixing a balky machine teaches necessary humility.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

There’s an argument to be made that the feds could believe they have a balky case and want to bloody up Adams in the public eye ahead of a trial.

From Slate • Sep. 12, 2024

Kawhi Leonard acknowledged after the Clippers’ 101-90 loss to the Dallas Mavericks that his balky right knee didn’t respond well coming out of Game 2, his first appearance in more than three weeks.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 27, 2024

They were balky, and it took me a few minutes to get them inside and the door shut and latched.

From "My Brother Sam is Dead" by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier