on balance

Idioms

Taking everything into consideration, as in On balance I think we've had a very good year. This expression, which in effect means “balancing all the factors involved,” was first recorded in 1719.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The millennial feminist movement also, on balance, did far more good than harm.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026

Yet launching a conversation around mental health with an audience magnet as powerful as Radcliffe is on balance an excellent thing.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

Some analysts said China, on balance, has reacted soberly, reflecting uncertainty ahead and a limited appetite to challenge the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 5, 2026

They've been watching the Commons and the House of Lords and on balance think they would rather be peers than MPs.

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2025

Harry didn’t want to miss the fun, but Uncle Vernon’s second ornament narrowly missed his left ear, and on balance he thought it best to leave the situation to Mr. Weasley.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023