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
Norah O'DonnellA key element of the definition of bullying is a power imbalance that enables the abusive behavior.—Patricia Vowinkel
Patricia VowinkelSome have suffered an imbalance of gait known as ataxia.—Lawrence K. Altman
Lawrence K. AltmanExamples 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
When the laser is powerful enough, the temperature imbalance wins, allowing the Weibel instability to take over.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 6 June 2026
That imbalance between strong investor demand and limited supply is creating more competition in the $100 million-plus deal space.
—Diana Olick, CNBC, 4 June 2026
Then, on June 21, as the sun enters Cancer, the moon will reach its first quarter phase, bringing relationship imbalances into focus, especially if one person has been overcompromising or going above and beyond to keep the peace.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 4 June 2026
Its cities to the south have long grappled with gaining equal access to emergency, healthcare and county services while facing disproportionate need, and an imbalance of jobs and housing.
—Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for imbalance
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Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 6 June 2026
That imbalance between strong investor demand and limited supply is creating more competition in the $100 million-plus deal space.
—Diana Olick, CNBC, 4 June 2026
Then, on June 21, as the sun enters Cancer, the moon will reach its first quarter phase, bringing relationship imbalances into focus, especially if one person has been overcompromising or going above and beyond to keep the peace.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 4 June 2026
Its cities to the south have long grappled with gaining equal access to emergency, healthcare and county services while facing disproportionate need, and an imbalance of jobs and housing.
—Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for imbalance
Cite this Entry
“Imbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imbalance. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
E. B. Steen & Ashley Montagu
c
: a disproportion between the number of males and females in a population
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