Unbalance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unbalance

[สŒnหˆbรฆlษ™ns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in business

To make uneven or unequal in balance, weight, or proportion.

Synonyms

destabilize, disrupt, upset.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unbalance

Repeated here, but often interchangeable with the first description.

  • Her sudden decision unbalanced the carefully laid plans
destabilize

Frequently refers to actions or events that undermine or weaken the stability of a system, especially in social, political, or economic situations.

  • The new policy could destabilize the economy
disrupt

Used to describe an interruption or disturbance that causes a system, process, or activity to be adversely affected or stopped. Common in technological and business contexts.

  • The storm disrupted flight schedules across the country
upset

Usually pertains to causing emotional distress or disturbance. Can also mean to disturb the normal order of things in non-emotional contexts.

  • The bad news upset him greatly

Examples of usage

  • The company's decision to cut costs unbalanced the budget.
  • His reckless spending habits unbalanced the financial stability of the household.
Context #2 | Noun

in mental health

A state of mental instability or lack of emotional equilibrium.

Synonyms

disruption, instability, uneasiness.

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Word Description / Examples
unbalance

This term is used when referring to a physical or mental state of being off-balance or uneven. It can describe situations where something is not properly aligned or coordinated.

  • The sudden movement caused an unbalance in the load, making it tip over
  • Her unbalance after the accident affected her daily activities
instability

This word describes scenarios where there is a lack of stability, often used in political, economic, or emotional contexts. It can imply a state of constant change or unpredictability.

  • The political instability in the region has caused concerns internationally
  • Economic instability has led to high unemployment rates and social unrest
uneasiness

This term is suitable for describing a feeling of discomfort or anxiety in a person. It is often used to convey emotions that involve worry or nervousness.

  • She felt a sense of uneasiness before her big presentation
  • The strange noises in the house at night caused a lot of uneasiness
disruption

This term is appropriate for situations where an event or activity is interrupted or disturbed, causing a break in normal operations. It often describes a significant alteration in a system or process.

  • The unexpected storm led to a disruption in power supply across the city
  • The team's workflow faced a major disruption due to the software update flaws

Examples of usage

  • The traumatic event caused an unbalance in his mental health.
  • Chronic stress can lead to an unbalance in emotional well-being.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Unbalance can relate to mental states; for example, an unbalanced workload can lead to stress and burnout.
  • In psychology, thereโ€™s a concept of โ€˜emotional unbalanceโ€™, which deals with fluctuating feelings that can affect decision-making.
  • The sense of balance in our livesโ€”between work, play, and restโ€”is crucial for emotional well-being.

Environmental Science

  • Ecological unbalance can occur when one species outcompetes others, leading to reduced biodiversity.
  • Human activities often lead to unbalance in ecosystems, affecting climate, water resources, and habitats.
  • Conservation efforts often aim to restore balance in nature by protecting species and habitats from human impact.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and literature, unbalance often symbolizes internal conflict or chaos, representing a character's struggle.
  • Video games frequently use unbalance as a mechanic, where a player's actions can disrupt the game world's stability.
  • Musical compositions may explore unbalance through contrasts in rhythm or harmony, engaging listeners in an emotional journey.

Physics

  • In physics, unbalance refers to forces acting on an object that are unequal, resulting in motion.
  • The concept of balance in physics is crucial to understanding gravity and how it affects objectsโ€”unbalance means they will move.
  • Many inventions, like scales or balancing toys, were designed to demonstrate and counteract the effects of unbalance.

Origin of 'unbalance'

Main points about word origin

  • The term combines the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' with 'balance', which comes from the Latin word 'bilanx', meaning 'having two scales'.
  • It has been in use since the early 1600s, primarily referring to a disruption in equilibrium or stability.
  • Different cultures have their own concepts of balance, as seen in philosophies like Taoism, causing variations in how 'unbalance' is perceived.

The word 'unbalance' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'balance'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century, derived from the Old French word 'balancer'. The concept of balance has long been associated with stability and equilibrium, and 'unbalance' refers to the disruption or lack of balance in various contexts.


See also: balance, balanced, balancer, balancing, counterbalance, counterbalancing, imbalance, imbalanced, unbalanced.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,231, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.