# unbalanced

/ənˈbæɫənst/ (US) · /ʌnbˈælənst/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unbalanced
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'seem' or 'become'.

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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.