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

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

The reasons for wakefulness are varied, and can include everything from eating too late or drinking too much alcohol to stress and hormonal imbalances. —Georgia Day, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2024

And the way an EV’s brakes work can also add to the feeling of imbalance for some drivers and passengers. —Bloomberg, Fortune Asia, 10 Mar. 2024

The imbalance in happiness ends up bringing everyone down in the end, as the report finds that people tend to be happier living in countries where there is a greater equality in happiness. —Chloe Berger, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2024

Cystic fibrosis is caused by an imbalance of salt and water in the body, and this affects developing organs even before birth. —Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2024

An autopsy found that the child had died from electrolyte imbalance, likely caused by viral gastroenteritis, according to police. —Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN, 18 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