imbalanced

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ɪmˈbælənst/

KK: /ɪmˈbælənst/

adjective

Definition

Not in a state of balance; uneven or unequal in distribution or proportion.

Example

The team's performance was imbalanced, leading to a loss in the final match.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Comparative: more imbalanced

Superlative: most imbalanced

Conversation

I feel like my schedule is really imbalanced lately.

I totally get that; it can be hard to find time for everything.

Yeah, I need to figure out how to make it more balanced.

Maybe try prioritizing your tasks to help with that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

uneven

disproportionate

skewed

Antonyms

balanced

equitable

stable

Root Explanation

Imbalanced is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "balanced" (from the root "balance" which comes from Latin "bilanx", meaning having two scales). The word describes a state of not being in balance or equilibrium.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' being in a state of 'balance' — that's why imbalanced means something is not balanced.

Visually Confused Words