unbalanced

1 of 2

adjective

un·​bal·​anced ˌən-ˈba-lən(t)st How to pronounce unbalanced (audio)
Synonyms of unbalancednext
: not balanced: such as
a
: not in equilibrium
b
: mentally disordered
—not used technically
c
: not adjusted so as to make credits equal to debits
an unbalanced account

unbalanced

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of unbalance entry 1

Synonyms of unbalanced

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Adjective

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Examples of unbalanced in a Sentence

Adjective He's been eating an unbalanced diet. horrific crimes that obviously were committed by a very unbalanced person
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
On deficits, China also appears to be making some moves in the right direction—though from a more unbalanced starting point. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2026 Instead, the board passed an unbalanced budget that could fire thousands of teachers, open the door to furlough days and drive up our debt service. — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 If yours clicks every time the blades spin, the cause could be as simple as a loose screw or an unbalanced blade. — Tricia Goss, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2026 Hanging items at the wrong height can make spaces feel unbalanced and visually disconnected. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unbalanced

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1635, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unbalanced was in 1635

Rhymes for unbalanced

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Browse Nearby Words

unbalance
unbalanced
unballast
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unbalanced.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unbalanced. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unbalanced

adjective
un·​bal·​anced ˌən-ˈbal-ən(t)st How to pronounce unbalanced (audio)
1
: not in a state of balance
2
: not completely sane
3
: not adjusted so as to make credits equal to debits
an unbalanced account

Medical Definition

unbalanced

adjective
un·​bal·​anced ˌən-ˈbal-ən(t)st How to pronounce unbalanced (audio)
: mentally disordered : affected with mental illness
—not used technically
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