# counterweight

/ˈkaʊntɝˌweɪt/ (US) · /kˈaʊntəwˌeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/counterweight
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

a heavy weight that balances another weight to keep something steady. You see it in lifts and cranes where it stops one side from falling too fast.

For teachers: a mass that balances an opposing load to provide stability or reduce effort in a mechanical system. Often incorporated into lifts, cranes, and rotating machinery.

## Examples

- The lift uses a heavy counterweight for balance.
- The crane operator checked the counterweight before lifting the steel beams onto the roof.
- Engineers sized the elevator's counterweight to offset the car plus half its rated load, minimizing motor strain across thousands of daily cycles.

## Synonyms

counterbalance, counterpoise

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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.