balanced

American  

[bal-uhnst] / ˈbæl ənst /

adjective

1. fairly or equally containing a diversity of views, aspects, ingredients, activities, etc..

   The course provides a balanced program of study in painting, design, sculpture, and ceramics.

   Some newspapers provided more balanced coverage of the conflict.

2. being in harmonious or proper arrangement or adjustment, proportion, etc..

   These guidelines will help beginning photographers achieve a balanced composition in each shot.

   Synonyms:

   evenhanded, impartial, just, equitable, fair

3. (of a budget) showing enough revenue or income to cover all expenses.

   Our newly formed Finance Council will promote a balanced budget and long-range financial planning.

4. (of an investment portfolio) including investments of a variety of types or in a variety of sectors so as to maximize returns with a manageable level of risk.

   Stocks can help you achieve a balanced portfolio when combined with fixed-income investments such as bonds.

5. Football. pertaining to or noting an offensive line formation having three linemen on each side of the center.

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balanced British  

/ ˈbælənst /

adjective

1. having weight evenly distributed; being in a state of equilibrium

2. (of a person) mentally and emotionally stable

3. (of a discussion, programme, etc) presenting opposing points of view fairly and without bias

4. (of a diet) consisting of all essential nutrients in suitable form and amounts to maintain health

5. (of a budget) having expenditure no greater than income

6. electronics (of signals or circuitry) symmetrically disposed about earth or other reference potential

7. (of a chemical equation) having the correct relative number of moles of reactants and products

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Other Word Forms

• self-balanced adjective

Etymology

Origin of balanced

First recorded in 1585–95; balance + -ed ²

Example Sentences

“Scaling AI requires more than accelerators — it requires balanced systems,” Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan said in a statement.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

The sauce should feel awake — not spiky, not sour — just balanced enough that the richness doesn’t linger too long.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

"The high-protein diet had one of the strongest anti-cholera effects compared to a balanced diet. And not all proteins are the same," Hsiao said.

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

Guidance should be fairly balanced given the geopolitical tensions, though Nomura anticipates some saber rattling to help contain inflation expectations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

She had only wanted to keep the circus balanced.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

Related Words

• equitable
• fair