Avoidance: meaning, definitions and examples

Use in a general sense when someone is trying not to be involved in something unpleasant or unwanted.

• Her avoidance of difficult conversations is causing problems in her relationships.
• The company's avoidance of taxes was discovered during the audit.

Often used in a legal or formal context when someone is deliberately avoiding something, especially rules, laws, or questions.

• She was accused of tax evasion.
• His evasion of military duty was controversial.

Used in social contexts, often when someone is deliberately ignoring or staying away from someone as a means of ostracization.

• He experienced shunning from his community after his controversial statements.
• The group is known for shunning those who break their code of conduct.

Informal phrase used when someone is cautiously avoiding a person, situation, or thing.

• I try steering clear of political discussions at family gatherings.
• He is steering clear of spicy food after his stomach issues.

Use this term in formal settings or when discussing the act of steering clear of certain responsibilities, situations, or problems.

• His avoidance of the issue made the situation worse
• The company's avoidance of taxes was discovered during the audit

Appropriate for formal or technical discussions about finding ways around rules or obstacles, often through clever means.

• The software's circumvention of the security protocols was impressive
• They found legal circumventions to bypass the new regulations

This term is more informal and implies quick or sneaky movement to avoid something. It can have a playful or negative nuance depending on the context.

• He kept dodging her questions about his whereabouts
• The children were dodging the snowballs during recess

Usually used in formal or professional settings to discuss the failure to adhere to rules, standards, or expectations. It often carries a negative connotation.

• Noncompliance with safety regulations can result in hefty fines
• The manager was fired due to consistent noncompliance with company policies

This word is typically used in both everyday and formal situations when someone is deliberately staying away from something or someone.

• His avoidance of the topic made it obvious he was uncomfortable
• The student's avoidance of studying led to poor exam results

This word is rarely used in everyday speech and may be considered formal or archaic. It's typically used in writings to indicate a deliberate act of holding back.

• The refrainment from commenting was a wise choice during the heated debate
• Her refrainment from indulgence illustrated her strong willpower

This term is more formal and is often used in the context of voting or official decisions, where someone decides not to participate.

• There were three abstentions during the vote on the new policy
• Her abstention from the decision was noted in the minutes of the meeting

This is the gerund form of 'avoid' and is commonly used to describe the act of staying away from something in current activities.

• He's been avoiding junk food to lose weight
• I've been avoiding him ever since the argument