Word
unbalanced
Phoneticsun·bal·anced, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈbæɫənst/
UK/ʌnbˈælənst/
Definition
adj. not equal or steady in weight, amount, or mental state. You use this to describe something that is likely to fall over or someone who is acting in a strange, unstable way.
adj. lacking stability, proportion, or equilibrium. Often used to describe physical objects, financial accounts with unequal debits and credits, or a person's mental state.
Examples
“The table is unbalanced because one leg is shorter than the others.”
“The accountant noticed that the books were unbalanced, suggesting that several transactions had not been recorded correctly.”
“The documentary explores how an unbalanced distribution of resources can lead to systemic instability within a developing economy, eventually triggering a total collapse of local markets.”
Examples
simple
“The table is unbalanced because one leg is shorter than the others.”
contextual
“The accountant noticed that the books were unbalanced, suggesting that several transactions had not been recorded correctly.”
complex
“The documentary explores how an unbalanced distribution of resources can lead to systemic instability within a developing economy, eventually triggering a total collapse of local markets.”
Usage
Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'seem' or 'become'.
Real-World Examples
“When the researchers inactivated this particular group of neutrophils, the immune response became unbalanced.” Etymology
From un- + balanced.
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.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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QR code
englishreference.com/q/unbalanced