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

Seoul has disputed that imbalance. —Seema Mody, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2025

Repetitive movements — such as swinging a baseball bat or golf club, throwing a ball or lifting weights without functional thoracic mobility — can create imbalances that limit rotation and increase injury risk. —Dana Santas, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025

Unlike the men’s tournament, which uses neutral sites from the first round onward, this home-court advantage system creates competitive imbalances and diminishes the tournament experience for women’s programs. —Lindsey Darvin, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

Provide Antioxidant Protection Collagen face masks are infused with beneficial ingredients that help neutralize oxidative stress (an imbalance of beneficial antioxidants and harmful free radicals in the body) caused by ultraviolet (UV) ray exposure, pollution, and other external stressors. —Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 21 Mar. 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