in the balance

phrase

variants or in balance
: with the fate or outcome about to be determined
Our future hangs in the balance as we await his decision.

Examples of in the balance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Global energy supplies and the economy remain in the balance as gasoline prices have risen again. Samy Magdy, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026 The 41-year old James, going into his 23rd year in the NBA, is being openly courted by five different cities, and there is a huge economic payoff in the balance for each one. Joshua Hong, Fortune, 16 July 2026 Like any truly great match, the outcome was in the balance until the final point was over. Ava Wallace, New York Times, 13 July 2026 Biles ended up winning a bronze medal in the balance beam final at the Tokyo Games after Swift had narrated a video about Biles for NBC’s coverage of the games. Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for in the balance

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In the balance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20balance. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster