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

Explanation

If something is balanced, it has equal proportions or a stable sense of balance. A balanced yoga pose is one in which you're not falling over constantly. A balanced gymnast won't fall off the balance beam, and a balanced team combines players' skills to form a stable, equitable group. Balanced information in a news report gives you the opposing sides of an issue, and a balanced diet includes some food from all the different nutritional groups. Balanced comes from the verb balance, "be equal with," from the noun form of the word, with its Old French root, balance, "scales for weighing."

Example Sentences

Chopra’s website says he is on a mission to create a “more balanced, peaceful, joyful and healthier world.”

From Salon • May 19, 2026

Gallrein ended by chiding reporters: “Be fair and balanced, can we do that?”

From Slate • May 19, 2026

In the rest of England, the number of dwellings and the population has grown in a much more balanced way.

From BBC • May 17, 2026

TB: I like an ease and a realness to what we do, but balanced with creativity and innovation.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

Across from him, Gingersnipes balanced on a thick bough, clutching the branch above her head.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

Related Words

• equitable
• fair