imbalance

noun im·bal·ance \ (ˌ)im-ˈba-lən(t)s \

|Updated on: 6 Jun 2018

Examples: imbalance in a Sentence

Definition of imbalance

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

a vitamin imbalance

racial imbalance in schools

—

imbalanced

play \(ˌ)im-ˈba-lən(t)st\ adjective

See imbalance defined for English-language learners

See imbalance defined for kids

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 of imbalance from the Web

Either Republican would eviscerate him simply on registration imbalance alone.

— latimes.com, "Rohrabacher's remarks on LGBTQ homebuyers are deeply offensive," 30 May 2018
The Central imbalance likely will affect the wild-card races, with NL Central contenders facing the Tigers, Royals and White Sox while NL East contenders face the Yankees and Red Sox, the two best teams in the majors.

— paul sullivan, chicagotribune.com, "Imbalance between NL Central and AL Central could have impact on wild-card races," 29 May 2018
And even if the visual disparity isn’t quite as stark, most people do have a dominant side of their body—which, if unaddressed, can lead to problematic strength imbalances for habitual gymgoers.

— adrienne jordan, GQ, "6 Unilateral Exercises That Will Turn Your Limbs to Wobbly Mush," 28 May 2018
However, the plasma also has a pressure difference across the orbit, so the number of particles on the inside track is larger than on the outside track, resulting in an imbalance and a net current.

— chris lee, Ars Technica, "Stellarator’s plasma results show a triumph of engineering and modeling," 23 May 2018
That’s why this move, and single-leg moves in general, can help correct any muscular imbalances from side to side.

— jenny mccoy, SELF, "Strengthen Your Entire Body With This 1 Compound Exercise Move From Jennifer Garner’s Trainer," 23 May 2018
An autopsy said her death was caused by pancreatitis, electrolyte imbalance and chronic lead intoxication.

— Washington Post, "Wife of man charged in blast probe died in ‘mysterious case’," 21 May 2018
All things being equal, suspending tariffs that could trigger a trade war while seeking to address imbalances through direct talks makes good sense.

— eric levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "Trump Seeks Public’s Trust on China Talks, Tells Blatant Lie," 21 May 2018
How much the imbalance will be reduced remains to be seen.

— New York Times, "U.S. and China Tout Trade Talks as Success, but Leave the Details for Later," 19 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'imbalance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of imbalance

circa 1890

in the meaning defined above

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IMBALANCE Defined for English Language Learners

imbalance

noun

Definition of imbalance for English Language Learners

: a state or condition in which different things do not occur in equal or proper amounts

Medical Dictionary

imbalance

noun im·bal·ance \ (ˈ)im-ˈbal-ən(t)s \

medical Definition of imbalance

: 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

play \-ən(t)st\ adjective

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See words that rhyme with imbalance Spanish Central: Translation of imbalance Nglish: Translation of imbalance for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of imbalance for Arabic speakers

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imbalance

Definition of imbalance

imbalanced

Examples of imbalance in a Sentence

Recent Examples of imbalance from the Web

First Known Use of imbalance

IMBALANCE Defined for English Language Learners

imbalance

Definition of imbalance for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

imbalance

medical Definition of imbalance

imbalanced

Learn More about imbalance

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imbalance

Definition of imbalance

imbalanced

Examples of imbalance in a Sentence

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First Known Use of imbalance

IMBALANCE Defined for English Language Learners

imbalance

Definition of imbalance for English Language Learners

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imbalance

medical Definition of imbalance

imbalanced

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