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

Each bite should feel balanced rather than heavy — structured indulgence instead of excess for its own sake.

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

This is becoming more common as the Charlotte housing market has balanced out in recent months, Williams said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

The fund, founded in 1929, epitomizes Vanguard Group founder Jack Bogle’s values —own a balanced mix of stocks and bonds, and keep your costs down.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The best one was when she’d balanced a small plastic bucket of gumdrops over the closet door so that when I opened it all the way, it fell on me.

From "Keep It Together, Keiko Carter" by Debbi Michiko Florence

Related Words

• equitable
• fair