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.

---

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

---

Other Word Forms

• self-balanced adjective

Etymology

Origin of balanced

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

Example Sentences

“The current valuation is more balanced relative to prior periods given the execution risks related to recent strategic shifts,” the analysts add in a note.

From The Wall Street Journal

Investors who believe they are holding balanced allocations may now be carrying more equity exposure than they realize.

From Barron's

“We see balanced risk/reward given premium valuation while it has lagged peers in revenue growth and scaling/fidelity rate metrics,” Sankar wrote.

From MarketWatch

The four principal characters are perfectly balanced, but above all, it’s the players who make the magic.

From Los Angeles Times

He is always looking to assess whether a candidate is the type who is “looking for a balanced life,” versus wanting to win, being hungry and having a chip on his or her shoulder.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• equitable
• fair