imbalance
noun
im·bal·ance
(ˌ)im-ˈba-lən(t)s 
plural imbalances
: lack of balance : the state of being out of equilibrium or out of proportion
a structural imbalance
a chemical imbalance in the brain
"… The talks are aimed at reducing the trade imbalance … between the world`s two largest economic powers. …"—
Norah O'Donnell
Norah O'DonnellA key element of the definition of bullying is a power imbalance that enables the abusive behavior.—Patricia Vowinkel
Patricia VowinkelSome have suffered an imbalance of gait known as ataxia.—Lawrence K. Altman
Lawrence K. AltmanExamples of imbalance in a Sentence
Her depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.
the problem of racial imbalance in schools
Recent Examples on the Web
Ignoring them puts you at risk of the imbalance manifesting into a more serious condition, like PCOS, hypothyroidism, and endometriosis.
—Eman Bare, Essence, 21 Apr. 2025
This is followed by the full moon in Scorpio on May 12, shining a light on your sixth house of health, routine and daily rituals, which could bring light to any imbalances occurring in your personal and professional life.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Having poor posture — with slumped shoulders, a rounded back and a forward head position — stems from muscular imbalances, in which some muscles are overworked and tight while others are underused and weak.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025
Brown leaves may be a sign of nutrient imbalance, typically excess fertilization.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for imbalance
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Eman Bare, Essence, 21 Apr. 2025
This is followed by the full moon in Scorpio on May 12, shining a light on your sixth house of health, routine and daily rituals, which could bring light to any imbalances occurring in your personal and professional life.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Having poor posture — with slumped shoulders, a rounded back and a forward head position — stems from muscular imbalances, in which some muscles are overworked and tight while others are underused and weak.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025
Brown leaves may be a sign of nutrient imbalance, typically excess fertilization.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for imbalance
Cite this Entry
“Imbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imbalance. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
imbalance
noun
im·bal·ance
(ˈ)im-ˈbal-ən(t)s
: the state of being out of balance or out of proportion
Medical Definition
imbalance
noun
im·bal·ance
(ˈ)im-ˈbal-ən(t)s
: lack of balance : the state of being out of equilibrium or out of proportion: as
a
: loss of parallel relation between the optical axes of the eyes caused by faulty action of the extrinsic muscles and often resulting in diplopia
b
: absence of biological equilibrium
a vitamin imbalance
if the ductus arteriosus fails to close, a circulatory imbalance results—E. B. Steen & Ashley Montagu
E. B. Steen & Ashley Montagu
c
: a disproportion between the number of males and females in a population
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share