Word
imbalance
Phoneticsim·bal·ance, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪmˈbæɫəns/
UK/ɪmbˈæləns/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a situation where two things are not equal or in the right proportions. It often means one side is too strong, too big, or has too much of something.
n. a lack of proportion or relation between corresponding things. Refers to a state where elements are not distributed equally or fairly.
Examples
“There is a clear imbalance between the two teams.”
“The government is trying to correct the economic imbalance between the wealthy cities and the poorer rural areas.”
“A chemical imbalance in the brain can sometimes lead to mood disorders, requiring medical intervention to restore a healthy equilibrium.”
Examples
simple
“There is a clear imbalance between the two teams.”
contextual
“The government is trying to correct the economic imbalance between the wealthy cities and the poorer rural areas.”
complex
“A chemical imbalance in the brain can sometimes lead to mood disorders, requiring medical intervention to restore a healthy equilibrium.”
Usage
Often used with 'between' to show the two sides, or 'of' to describe the specific problem (e.g., 'an imbalance of power').
Real-World Examples
“Neptune's moon and ring system stand out among the giant planets because of the strange imbalance between its one very large moon and its many tiny moons.” “Over time, the charge imbalance becomes strong enough to produce lightning .” - 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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