Main Entry: im·bal·ance

Pronunciation: \(ˈ)im-ˈbal-ən(t)s\

Function: noun

: lack of balance : the state of being out of equilibrium or out of proportion: as a : loss of parallel relation between the optical axes of the eyes caused by faulty action of the extrinsic muscles and often resulting in diplopia b : absence of biological equilibrium <a vitamin imbalance> <if the ductus arteriosus fails to close, a circulatory imbalance results—E. B. Steen & Ashley Montagu> c : a disproportion between the number of males and females in a population

—im·bal·anced \-ən(t)st\ adjective