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

For generations, the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians’ management of forests in southwestern Oregon has balanced environmental stewardship, indigenous values and economic stability.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Workers had the upper hand in the labor market, but today is more balanced and perhaps more skewed toward employers.”

From MarketWatch

On the Fed, though, he was generally balanced, defending Powell for raising rates in 2022.

From The Wall Street Journal

Chasing balanced agricultural trade is like chasing a white rabbit, one that will ultimately prove elusive.

From Barron's

The Cowboys are vulnerable to the run, as well, and a balanced attack by the Chargers will take them a long way.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• equitable
• fair