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Unbalance: meaning, definitions and examples

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unbalance

 

[ʌnˈbæləns ]

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

Psychology

  • Unbalance can relate to mental states; for example, an unbalanced workload can lead to stress and burnout.
  • In psychology, there’s a concept of ‘emotional unbalance’, which deals with fluctuating feelings that can affect decision-making.
  • The sense of balance in our lives—between work, play, and rest—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 objects—unbalance means they will move.
  • Many inventions, like scales or balancing toys, were designed to demonstrate and counteract the effects of unbalance.

Translations

Translations of the word "unbalance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desequilíbrio

🇮🇳 असंतुलन

🇩🇪 Ungleichgewicht

🇮🇩 ketidakseimbangan

🇺🇦 дисбаланс

🇵🇱 nierównowaga

🇯🇵 不均衡 (ふきんこう)

🇫🇷 déséquilibre

🇪🇸 desequilibrio

🇹🇷 dengesizlik

🇰🇷 불균형 (bulgyunhyeong)

🇸🇦 اختلال التوازن

🇨🇿 nevyváženost

🇸🇰 nevyváženosť

🇨🇳 不平衡 (bù pínghéng)

🇸🇮 neravnotežje

🇮🇸 ójafnvægi

🇰🇿 теңгерімсіздік

🇬🇪 დაუსაბამობა

🇦🇿 tarazlığın pozulması

🇲🇽 desequilibrio

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.