unbalanced

American  

[uhn-bal-uhnst] / ʌnˈbæl ənst /

adjective

1. not balanced balanced or not properly balanced. balanced.

2. lacking steadiness and soundness of judgment.

3. mentally disordered; deranged.

   Synonyms:

   irrational, unsound, disturbed

4. (of an account) not adjusted; not brought to an equality of debits and credits.

5. Football. of or relating to an offensive line formation having more than three linemen on one side of the center.

---

unbalanced British  

/ ʌnˈbælənst /

adjective

1. lacking balance

2. irrational or unsound; erratic

3. mentally disordered or deranged

4. biased; one-sided

   unbalanced reporting

5. (in double-entry book-keeping) not having total debit balances equal to total credit balances

6. electronics (of signals or circuitry) not symmetrically disposed about earth or zero reference potential

---

Etymology

Origin of unbalanced

First recorded in 1640–50; un- ¹ + balanced

Example Sentences

While metals are essential for normal brain function, problems can arise when their levels become unbalanced.

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

When their unbalanced lineup of basically three similar point guards have an off night, like against the Celtics, they’re lost.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2026

But there is no serious dispute about its scale or how far it has unbalanced the markets.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 31, 2025

His comments were ruled "inappropriate and unprofessional", with the panel noting pupils of that age did not have the ability to challenge minority views presented in an "unbalanced fashion".

From BBC • Dec. 17, 2025

Indeed, he saw pursuit of a single truth as a symptom of an unbalanced mind, tantamount to superstition!

From "Circumference" by Nicholas Nicastro

Related Words

• irregular
• lopsided
• top-heavy
• unequal
• uneven
• unstable
• unsteady
• wobbly