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

Despite the improved security, a thriving tourism industry, and other positive developments, the country continues to grapple with macroeconomic imbalances, high fiscal deficits, and substantial debt. —Javier Bastardo, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025

The tariffs aim to address issues such as drug trafficking and trade imbalances. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025

Drawbacks of Protein Shakes for Weight Loss Nutrient deficiency risk: Relying too much on protein shakes may lead to an imbalance in essential nutrients. —Maxine Lipner, Verywell Health, 3 Mar. 2025

This imbalance can raise the risk of colorectal and other digestive cancers. —Allison Palmer, Sacramento Bee, 27 Feb. 2025

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