a precarious equilibrium

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precarious equilibrium" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is unstable or uncertain, where balance is difficult to maintain. Example: "The negotiations reached a point of a precarious equilibrium, with both sides hesitant to make the next move."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

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

Managing the water supply dilemma for Las Vegas is thus finding a precarious equilibrium between economic, political, technical imperatives.

City, Territory and Architecture

The goal should be the maintenance of a precarious equilibrium that avoids, as far as possible, desperate situations and intolerable choices.

SEP

Brimming with the entropic energies of a force of nature, her arrangements evoke a precarious equilibrium of objects in space, citing both the traditions of modernist American monumental sculpture as well as bricolage, which emphasizes the aesthetic possibilities of quotidian objects".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 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

Life is a precarious balance.

The New York Times

They have to maintain a precarious balance.

The Economist

But it's a precarious balance.

Forbes

Alberto Burri, a surgeon who became a painter, preferred "precarious equilibrium and masterful control of the unpredictable".

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "a precarious equilibrium" in contexts that require absolute certainty or stability; opt for phrases that convey strength and resilience instead.

Common error

Don't use "a precarious equilibrium" to describe minor imbalances or everyday inconveniences. This phrase suggests a significant risk of collapse or disruption, so reserve it for situations of genuine instability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precarious equilibrium" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object. It describes a state or situation characterized by instability and delicate balance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

27%

Science

27%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a precarious equilibrium" is a valid English phrase used to describe an unstable situation where opposing forces are balanced. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It appears most frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When writing, remember that it suggests a significant risk of collapse, and alternatives like ""a fragile balance"" or ""an unstable state"" may be more appropriate depending on the context. Be mindful of using it to describe only genuinely unstable situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fragile balance

Emphasizes the delicacy and potential for disruption of the balance.

an unstable state

Focuses on the lack of stability and the likelihood of change.

a delicate balance

Highlights the need for careful management to maintain the balance.

a tenuous balance

Suggests the balance is weak and easily broken.

a critical balance

Indicates the balance is essential and its disruption would have severe consequences.

a shaky equilibrium

Implies the equilibrium is not firm and may collapse.

an uncertain balance

Highlights the unpredictability and lack of assurance in the balance.

a volatile situation

Shifts focus to the overall state being prone to sudden and dramatic changes.

a sensitive equilibrium

Underlines how easily the equilibrium can be affected by external factors.

a tricky situation

Highlights the complexity and difficulty in managing the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a precarious equilibrium" to describe a situation where stability is threatened and a delicate balance is maintained, such as "The political climate exists in "a precarious equilibrium", with any minor incident having the potential to cause major disruptions".

What are some alternatives to "a precarious equilibrium"?

Some alternatives include "a fragile balance", "an unstable state", or "a delicate balance", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to describe a situation as "a precarious equilibrium" or "a stable equilibrium"?

"A precarious equilibrium" describes an unstable situation, while "a stable equilibrium" describes a steady and resistant state. The better choice depends on whether the situation is prone to change or relatively constant.

What distinguishes "a precarious equilibrium" from other types of balance?

"A precarious equilibrium" suggests a higher degree of risk and instability compared to other balances. While a normal balance may suggest stability, "a precarious equilibrium" implies that the situation could easily fall apart.