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

While beneficial, moderation is crucial; excessive or improper training risks injury and body imbalances. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

Expanding obstetrics and gynecology training slots — particularly in rural tracks — would begin to correct the imbalance. —Jocelyn Mitchell-Williams, STAT, 19 June 2026

The animals that lacked sucrose developed an imbalance in their gut microbes and increased inflammation within the intestines and liver. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026

This systemic imbalance has forced a massive realignment of the physical retail footprint, permanently redrawing real estate demand away from traditional venues and toward elite experiential properties or rapidly expanding discount chains. —Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 17 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for imbalance

• rebalance
• unbalance
• balance
• valance
• vallance
• counterbalance
• overbalance

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