Imbalance: meaning, definitions and examples
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imbalance
[ɪmˈbæləns ]
Definitions
workplace
A situation in which the elements or parts are not in proportion with each other, resulting in an uneven distribution or lack of equality.
Synonyms
disparity, disproportion, inequality.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
imbalance |
Used when things are not in equal or correct proportions, often in physical, mental, or social contexts.
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inequality |
Describes a situation where things are not equal, often used in social, economic, and political contexts. It often has a negative connotation.
|
disproportion |
Indicates a lack of balance or proportion, often where one part is much larger or smaller than another.
|
disparity |
Refers to a significant difference or inequality, often in terms of opportunities, treatment, or status.
|
Examples of usage
- The imbalance in the company's leadership team led to conflicts and inefficiencies.
- Gender imbalance in the workplace is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed.
economy
A condition in which there is an unequal distribution of wealth or resources among individuals or groups.
Synonyms
discrepancy, disparity, inequity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
imbalance |
Use this word when there is a lack of proportion or symmetry between two things. It often refers to physical or metaphorical states lacking equilibrium.
|
disparity |
Use this term when referring to a significant difference or inequality, often in social, economic, or demographic contexts.
|
inequity |
This word is suitable when discussing unfairness or injustice, often in a social or economic context. It has a strong negative connotation.
|
discrepancy |
This word is best used when referring to an inconsistency or difference between two sets of data or accounts. It often has a neutral or slightly negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- The growing imbalance between the rich and the poor is a significant concern for policymakers.
- Addressing the imbalance in income distribution is crucial for achieving economic stability.
health
A state of physical or mental unsteadiness or lack of equilibrium.
Synonyms
disorder, instability, unsteadiness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
imbalance |
Used when referring to a lack of equality or proportion between different elements or parts.
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instability |
Best suited for describing a lack of stability, often in political, financial, or mental contexts.
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disorder |
More appropriate when referring to chaos or a lack of order, especially in a medical or psychological context.
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unsteadiness |
Used to describe a lack of balance or firmness, often in physical situations or movements.
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Examples of usage
- The imbalance in her hormones was causing health issues.
- Mental health imbalance can lead to various psychological disorders.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'imbalance' comes from the prefix 'im-' meaning 'not' and 'balance', which is derived from Latin 'bilanx' meaning 'having two scales'.
- It began to be used in English around the late 19th century, reflecting various contexts from physical sciences to social issues.
Science
- In nature, an imbalance can create problems, such as when a species of animals becomes too numerous compared to its predators.
- Chemical reactions may also demonstrate imbalance, leading to instability in compounds when reactants are not in the right proportions.
Psychology
- Emotional imbalance can lead to issues like anxiety or depression, highlighting the importance of mental health balance.
- Cognitive dissonance refers to mental discomfort from holding two conflicting beliefs, often creating an imbalance in one's thoughts.
Economics
- Global trade can reflect imbalances, where some countries export far more than they import, creating economic tensions.
- Wealth distribution often highlights socio-economic imbalances, where the rich hold a disproportionate amount of resources compared to the poor.
Art & Design
- Imbalance in art can create tension and focal points, where asymmetrical designs draw the viewer's eye differently compared to balanced ones.
- In graphic design, an intentional imbalance can evoke feelings or highlight specific messages, making the artwork more impactful.
Translations
Translations of the word "imbalance" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desequilíbrio
🇮🇳 असंतुलन
🇩🇪 Ungleichgewicht
🇮🇩 ketidakseimbangan
🇺🇦 дисбаланс
🇵🇱 nierównowaga
🇯🇵 不均衡 (ふきんこう)
🇫🇷 déséquilibre
🇪🇸 desequilibrio
🇹🇷 dengesizlik
🇰🇷 불균형
🇸🇦 اختلال التوازن
🇨🇿 nevyváženost
🇸🇰 nevyváženosť
🇨🇳 不平衡 (bù pínghéng)
🇸🇮 neravnovesje
🇮🇸 ójafnvægi
🇰🇿 теңгерімсіздік
🇬🇪 დამახინჯება
🇦🇿 disbalans
🇲🇽 desequilibrio
Word Frequency Rank
Ranked #10,701, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.
- ...
- 10698 precarious
- 10699 groupings
- 10700 cradle
- 10701 imbalance
- 10702 hardest
- 10703 inoculated
- 10704 modal
- ...