holdout

[ hohld-out ]

noun

1. an act or instance of holding out.
2. a person who delays signing a contract in hopes of gaining more favorable terms:

   The basketball star was a holdout until they offered more money.

3. a person who declines to participate, cooperate, agree, etc.:

   Aside from one or two holdouts, everyone contributed.

Word History and Origins

Origin of holdout¹

First recorded in 1890–95; noun use of verb phrase hold out

Example Sentences

Vice President Kamala Harris is raising fresh concerns about former President Trump’s mental fitness as she tries to reach holdout voters in swing states.

From Los Angeles Times

Even Lindsey Graham, the powerful Republican senator, flew in to meet with the holdouts, but to no avail.

From BBC

The Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration was the holdout.

From Salon

Myanmar’s military junta still controls the town, one of its last remaining holdouts in Shan State.

From BBC

Up until a few weeks ago, Oasis was also in the category of long-term reunion holdouts.

From Salon

Related Words

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