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
The individual may become overly dependent on others for validation, causing an imbalance in the relationship.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
It’s often caused by an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone hormones.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 24 Jan. 2025
Both men suggested to me that progressive critics of Jubilee, who believe that political debates on the platform tend to end up favoring the conservative side, may be reacting to an imbalance in the wider political culture.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2025
Antioxidants in produce combat oxidative stress (an imbalance of helpful antioxidants and damaging molecules called free radicals) and inflammation.
—Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for imbalance 
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Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
It’s often caused by an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone hormones.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 24 Jan. 2025
Both men suggested to me that progressive critics of Jubilee, who believe that political debates on the platform tend to end up favoring the conservative side, may be reacting to an imbalance in the wider political culture.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2025
Antioxidants in produce combat oxidative stress (an imbalance of helpful antioxidants and damaging molecules called free radicals) and inflammation.
—Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for imbalance
Dictionary Entries Near imbalance
Cite this Entry
“Imbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imbalance. Accessed 30 Jan. 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
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