balanced

[bal-uhnst]

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.

balanced

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• self-balanced adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of balanced¹

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

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, southern countries like Spain have emerged as a rare bright spot for European growth, with governments that 15 years ago faced insolvency like Greece running nearly balanced books.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The last time the federal government actually balanced its books, in 2000, gold changed hands at less than $300 an ounce.

Read more on MarketWatch

“When we look at natural and normal hormone fluctuations, there’s no balance. They are not balanced by definition.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"Our study provides evidence that this connection starts early and highlights the importance of having balanced daily routines."

Read more on Science Daily

She characterized the labor market as roughly balanced, with job growth sufficient to stabilize unemployment.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• equitable 
• fair