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
A key element of the definition of bullying is a power imbalance that enables the abusive behavior.—Patricia Vowinkel
Some have suffered an imbalance of gait known as ataxia.—Lawrence K. Altman
Examples 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
Certain polyphenols in coffee have antioxidant properties that protect against oxidative stress (an imbalance that can cause cellular damage) and inflammation—both of which accelerate aging.
—Emma Loewe, Outside, 12 Jan. 2026
This imbalance can lead to uneven washing, where your towels may get a more thorough wash than your clothes—or vice versa.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 12 Jan. 2026
Texas’ governance reforms, including the derivative threshold, were crafted precisely to address that imbalance.
—Shane Goodwin, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
Both incidents underscore the power imbalance between law enforcement and civilians during moments of rapid escalation.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Imbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imbalance. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Kids 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
c
: a disproportion between the number of males and females in a population
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