Precarious equilibrium

USAGE SUMMARY

"precarious equilibrium" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation that is unstable or fragile, where balance is maintained but could easily be disrupted. For example, "The economy was in a precarious equilibrium, vulnerable to any sudden changes in market conditions." Alternative expressions include "unstable balance" and "fragile stability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

But the precarious equilibrium created by voters in Congress has also created an opportunity.

The New York Times

He must deal with the world financial crisis without undermining the precarious equilibrium in international relations.

The New York Times

NR TrA has established a precarious equilibrium: in V1535 Sco the K giant is again establishing dominance.

Harvard University

One man holds the seesaw in a precarious equilibrium by sustaining a long arabesque; another's sideways stretch topples it slowly off centre.

The Guardian

Modern statehood recreated itself in many ways, Charles S. Maier concludes, but finally had to adopt a precarious equilibrium with ever more powerful economic forces.

Harvard University

Everyone has an interest in preserving this precarious equilibrium lest the whole edifice come crashing down.Pure intellectQualcomm is the very model of an intellectual-property company.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

From that moment he entered the arena of "equilibrium politics," by which a precarious balance was maintained among the major Italian states.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is the relative availability of the various components of this precarious interaction equilibrium that dictate the ultimate outcome of cellular life or death.

EMBO Reports

Inspired by these insights, Shu et al. proposed a new model, termed the "seesaw" model, in which the pluripotent state has a precarious balancing equilibrium that results from continuous mutual competition between rival lineage specification forces.

Genomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics

Life is a precarious balance.

The New York Times

They have to maintain a precarious balance.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "precarious equilibrium", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the sense of an easily disrupted balance. For instance, it can describe political situations, ecological systems, or even personal relationships.

Common error

Avoid using "precarious equilibrium" when describing situations that are merely challenging but not inherently unstable. Reserve it for scenarios where even minor disturbances could lead to significant shifts or collapse.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precarious equilibrium" functions as a noun phrase, where "precarious" modifies the noun "equilibrium". It describes a state of balance that is unstable and easily disrupted. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase accurately describes scenarios where balance is maintained but vulnerable to change.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "precarious equilibrium" describes a state of balance that is unstable and easily disrupted, used across diverse contexts like politics, ecology, and personal relationships. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Alternative phrases such as "unstable balance" or "fragile stability" can offer similar meaning, but "precarious equilibrium" is best employed when emphasizing vulnerability to disruption. With a common frequency across various sources, this term proves valuable for nuanced expression in analytical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unstable balance

Emphasizes the lack of stability in the balance.

fragile stability

Highlights the delicate nature of the stability.

tenuous balance

Stresses the weakness and uncertainty of the balance.

delicate equilibrium

Focuses on the sensitivity and fineness of the equilibrium.

unsettled stability

Suggests a lack of permanence in the stable state.

shaky truce

Implies an agreement or balance that could easily fall apart.

unstable state

Highlights that the state is not stable.

volatile balance

Emphasizes the potential for sudden change in the balance.

risky stability

Indicates that the apparent stability carries inherent risks.

uncertain equilibrium

Focuses on the unpredictable and doubtful nature of the equilibrium.

FAQs

How can I use "precarious equilibrium" in a sentence?

You can use "precarious equilibrium" to describe situations where a balance exists but is easily disrupted. For example: "The political situation in the region exists in a "precarious equilibrium"".

What are some alternatives to "precarious equilibrium"?

Alternatives include "unstable balance", "fragile stability", or "tenuous balance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "precarious equilibrium" a formal or informal phrase?

"Precarious equilibrium" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, commonly appearing in news, academic, and professional writing. It is not typically used in very informal conversation.

What makes an equilibrium "precarious"?

An equilibrium is "precarious" when it is delicately balanced and susceptible to being easily upset or disrupted by even small influences or events.