Equilibrium: meaning, definitions and examples

Use in scientific or technical contexts to describe a state of rest or balance due to the equal action of opposing forces.

• The ecosystem reached an equilibrium after several years
• The chemical reaction attained equilibrium

Best used in everyday situations to describe maintaining stability or fair treatment. It can apply to physical, emotional, or figurative scenarios.

• She found a balance between work and leisure
• The gymnast maintained perfect balance on the beam

Best used to refer to firmness, strength, or consistency over time, often in social, political, or structural situations.

• The political stability of the country attracted foreign investors
• The table's stability is ensured by its wide base

Appropriate for describing a pleasing or coordinated arrangement, often in social, musical, or aesthetic contexts. It suggests a beautiful, peaceful state.

• The choir sang in perfect harmony
• Their marriage is based on deep harmony and respect

Use this term in scientific or technical contexts, particularly in physics, chemistry, or biology to indicate a state of stability or balance.

• The chemical reaction reached equilibrium after a few hours.
• In ecosystems, equilibrium is maintained through the balance of predator and prey numbers.

This word is more general and can be used in a wide range of contexts including financial, physical, emotional, or logical stability.

• She has a good balance between work and personal life.
• The gymnast maintained perfect balance on the beam.

This term is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe a state of balance or a situation where opposing forces are equally balanced.

• The artist's work shows a beautiful equipoise between form and function.
• In philosophy, finding an equipoise of ideas can lead to deeper understanding.

Commonly used in economic, political, or social discussions to refer to equality or equivalence, especially regarding status or pay.

• The company is working towards pay parity for all its employees.
• Economic parity between regions remains a significant challenge.

Use 'equilibrium' in scientific or technical contexts to describe a state of balance between opposing forces or influences.

• The system reached equilibrium when the temperatures inside and outside were equal

Use 'balance' in everyday situations to describe a state where different elements are equal or in the correct proportions; it can also refer to physical stability.

• She kept her balance on the tightrope
• Maintaining a work-life balance is important

Use 'composure' to describe a state of being calm and in control of one's emotions, often in stressful situations.

• Despite the chaos, she maintained her composure
• His composure under pressure is commendable

Use 'poise' to describe a graceful and elegant bearing in a person, often under challenging circumstances.

• She entered the room with perfect poise
• His poise during the interview impressed everyone