noun
Uncommon
avoidance
uh-VOY-duhns
Avoidance (noun) means the act of keeping away from something, or the habit of doing so. Example: “His avoidance of the topic made everyone suspicious.”
noun
1
The act of keeping away from something, or the habit of doing so.
"His avoidance of the topic made everyone suspicious."
"Conflict avoidance is common in families that dislike confrontation."
"Avoidance of sugary drinks is a simple way to protect your teeth."
2
legal/finance: The legal or lawful minimising or cancelling of an obligation, especially tax.
"The company used offshore accounts for tax avoidance."
"Tax avoidance through legal loopholes is different from tax evasion, which is a crime."
"The accountant explained that avoidance of the extra charge was perfectly lawful."
How to use avoidance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe act of steering clear of something.
Common mistake
Tax avoidance (legal, minimising tax within the rules) is different from tax evasion (illegal, hiding income).
Easily confused with
Common pairings
tax avoidance
conflict avoidance
avoidance behaviour
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Word forms
- Plural
- avoidances
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His _____ of the topic made everyone suspicious.
Etymology
From avoid + the noun-forming suffix -ance.
Related words
Rhymes for avoidance
See all rhymes for avoidance →Frequently asked questions
What does “avoidance” mean?
The word “avoidance” means the act of keeping away from something, or the habit of doing so. In plain terms, the act of steering clear of something.
How do you pronounce “avoidance”?
“Avoidance” is pronounced uh-VOY-duhns (/əˈvɔɪdəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “avoidance” in a sentence?
Here is “avoidance” used in a sentence: “His avoidance of the topic made everyone suspicious.”
What part of speech is “avoidance”?
“Avoidance” is a noun.
Is “avoidance” a common word?
“Avoidance” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “avoidance” have?
“Avoidance” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of keeping away from something, or the habit of doing so.
What is the difference between tax avoidance and tax evasion?
Tax avoidance is the legal or lawful minimising or cancelling of a tax obligation, typically through legitimate means such as deductions or allowances. Tax evasion illegally hides income or falsifies information to escape tax owed. Avoidance stays within the law, while evasion is a criminal act.
What does 'avoidance' mean in everyday, non-financial contexts?
In everyday use, avoidance refers to the act of keeping away from something, or the habit of doing so, such as avoiding a difficult conversation or an uncomfortable situation. It can apply to people, tasks, or emotions. Persistent avoidance is often discussed in psychology because it can reinforce anxiety over time.
Is tax avoidance illegal?
No, tax avoidance is legal by definition, since it refers to the lawful minimising of a tax obligation using rules and allowances already permitted. This distinguishes it from tax evasion, which is illegal. Some forms of tax avoidance can still be viewed as ethically questionable even though they are technically legal.
