imbalance

noun

im·​bal·​ance (ˌ)im-ˈba-lən(t)s 

plural imbalances

: lack of balance : the state of being out of equilibrium or out of proportion

a structural imbalance

a chemical imbalance in the brain

"… The talks are aimed at reducing the trade imbalance … between the world`s two largest economic powers. …"

—Norah O'Donnell

A key element of the definition of bullying is a power imbalance that enables the abusive behavior.

—Patricia Vowinkel

Some have suffered an imbalance of gait known as ataxia.

—Lawrence K. Altman

imbalanced

(ˌ)im-ˈba-lən(t)st 

adjective

Examples of imbalance in a Sentence

Her depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.

the problem of racial imbalance in schools

Recent Examples on the Web

This includes hypothyroidism, when the thyroid gland produces too few hormones, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormone imbalance that affects ovulation.56 Once diagnosed, these conditions can be treated with medication to help regulate hormones, reducing the spotting episodes. —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 7 Apr. 2024

Improper design or issues with the HVAC system can cause pressure imbalances. —Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 2 Apr. 2024

But an imbalance can seriously impact your complexion. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

China’s trade imbalances are not sustainable for the rest of the world. —Daniel H. Rosen, Foreign Affairs, 27 Mar. 2024

But by stopping bond purchases while the Treasury issues larger quantities of securities to finance the nation’s debt, the Fed has, at the margins, contributed to a supply and demand imbalance. —Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2024

The imbalance can be seen across the Indianapolis region and nationally. —John Tuohy, The Indianapolis Star, 28 Mar. 2024

Advanced economies also took issue with Japan’s refusal to address its trade imbalances in the 1970s and 1980s. —Daniel H. Rosen, Foreign Affairs, 27 Mar. 2024

Baltimore’s rapidly growing imports, however, exacerbated that imbalance. —Ken Roberts, Forbes, 26 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

imbalance

noun

im·​bal·​ance (ˈ)im-ˈbal-ən(t)s 

: the state of being out of balance or out of proportion

Medical Definition

imbalance

noun

im·​bal·​ance (ˈ)im-ˈbal-ən(t)s 

: 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

imbalanced

-ən(t)st 

adjective