imbalance

noun

im·​bal·​ance (ˌ)im-ˈba-lən(t)s How to pronounce imbalance (audio)
plural imbalances
Synonyms of imbalancenext
: 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 How to pronounce imbalance (audio)
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
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.
One of her biggest gripes is how often the beauty industry flogs acidic products to control oil production when women are experiencing hormonal imbalance. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026 Critics of Modi’s prudent management of Washington have not come up with a convincing alternative strategy for how India should handle the growing power imbalance with China. — C. Raja Mohan, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026 The air coming back in is more spread out than the air going out, and this imbalance is what produces the pushing force, or thrust, needed to move an object. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026 Enrollment and staffing imbalances across Fort Worth ISD have resulted in some classrooms having over 35 students, while others have fewer than 10, according to the district. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for imbalance

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of imbalance was circa 1890

Rhymes for imbalance

See All Rhymes for imbalance

Browse Nearby Words

Imari ware
imbalance
imbalanced
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Imbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imbalance. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

imbalance

noun
im·​bal·​ance (ˈ)im-ˈbal-ən(t)s How to pronounce imbalance (audio)
: the state of being out of balance or out of proportion

Medical Definition

imbalance

noun
im·​bal·​ance (ˈ)im-ˈbal-ən(t)s How to pronounce imbalance (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce imbalance (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on imbalance

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for imbalance

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