overbalance
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈoʊvərˌbæl.əns/
KK: /ˈoʊvərˌbæləns/
noun
Definition
A situation where there is too much weight or quantity on one side, causing an imbalance.
Example
The overbalance of the load caused the truck to tip over.
Conversation
Did you notice how the team's performance seemed to overbalance in the second half of the game?
Yeah, it was surprising! They really turned things around.
I think it was their strategy that caused that overbalance in their favor.
Definitely, the adjustments made a huge difference!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
surplus
excess
overage
Antonyms
deficit
lack
shortage
transitive verb
Definition
To cause something to become unsteady or to tip over by having more weight or influence than it can support.
Example
The heavy backpack caused him to overbalance and fall.
Tense Forms
Past: overbalanced
Past Participle: overbalanced
Conversation
I think my emotions can sometimes overbalance my decisions.
That’s understandable; it happens to everyone occasionally.
Yeah, I just need to find a better way to manage them.
Root Explanation
Overbalance → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively or too much) and "balance" (from Old French *balance*, meaning to weigh or to be in equilibrium). The word "overbalance" means to have an excessive weight or influence that disrupts balance.
Memory Tip
Think of having too much weight ('over-') that disrupts your 'balance' — that's why overbalance means to tip the scales too far.
Visually Confused Words
rebalance
counterbalance