Word
equilibrium
Phoneticsequi·lib·ri·um
US/ˌikwəˈɫɪbɹiəm/
UK/ˌiːkwɪlˈɪbɹiəm/
Definitions
01physical or general balance
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Academic
n. a state where different parts or forces are balanced and stable.
n. a condition in which all acting influences are cancelled by others, resulting in a stable, balanced, or unchanging system.
Español:equilibrio
“The scales reached equilibrium when the weights on both sides were exactly the same.”
“The ecosystem maintained a delicate equilibrium for centuries until the introduction of invasive species disrupted the local food chain.”
Usage
Often used with the verbs 'maintain', 'disturb', or 'restore'.
Antonyms
02chemical balance
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the point in a chemical reaction where the forward and backward changes happen at the same speed.
n. the state of a reversible chemical reaction in which the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal, resulting in no net change in concentrations.
“In a closed bottle of soda, the liquid and gas reach equilibrium.”
“The chemist adjusted the temperature to shift the equilibrium of the reaction, thereby increasing the yield of the desired product.”
Synonyms
03mental calmness
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Formal · Literary
n. a calm state of mind where you feel balanced and in control.
n. a state of emotional or mental balance; composure.
“Yoga helps her recover her equilibrium after a stressful day at the office.”
“It took several months of quiet reflection for him to regain his mental equilibrium following the sudden collapse of his business empire.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “equilibrium” in context.
Verb
01. restore equilibrium
“The central bank intervened in the market to restore equilibrium after the sudden currency crash.”
verb + noun
Real-World Examples
“Consider the heat flow, and what happens when the system of sun, blinds and curtain reaches its equilibrium.” “The analysis further argues that comparisons with trophic cascades around the world relied on equilibrium assumptions that do not fit Yellowstone's still recovering, non equilibrium ecosystem.” Etymology
From Latin aequilībrium, from equal + lībra (“balance”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/equilibrium
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0