# balance out

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/balance-out
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to make things equal or to stop a bad effect by adding a good one. You use this when two different things create a fair result.

For teachers: To offset or counteract something in order to achieve a state of equilibrium. This phrasal verb can be used transitively or intransitively to describe the process of reaching parity.

## Examples

- The extra income balances out the high cost of the rent.
- Although the morning was very stressful, the relaxing afternoon at the park helped to balance out my day.
- Analysts suggest that the recent surge in exports will eventually balance out the trade deficit that has plagued the national economy for several years.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The good news balanced out of the bad." but "The good news balanced out the bad." — Learners sometimes incorrectly insert the preposition 'of' after the particle 'out' when using the transitive form.

## Usage notes

- It is often used when discussing costs, emotions, or opposing forces like pros and cons.
- Teaching tip: Contrast with 'offset' (more formal) and 'cancel out' (which implies the result is zero); 'balance out' suggests a more stable end state.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.