a slightly unbalanced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slightly unbalanced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not completely stable or even, often in a metaphorical sense, such as a person's mental state or a situation. Example: "The team's performance was a bit off, leading to a slightly unbalanced dynamic during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I have a slightly unbalanced perspective.

The New York Times

Queeko, a childlike form, stands about a foot tall and plays a drum that sounds like a slightly unbalanced washing machine.

The New York Times - Arts

Sudbin brought the first half to its close with Beethoven's Opus 111, a slightly unbalanced affair, its strengths and weaknesses to some extent dictated by the unusual volatility of his approach.

The Guardian - Music

"I think a very small number of people think the BBC is a very bad idea and a huge number of people think the BBC is a wonderful idea and sadly the small number of people are all in government – that's giving a slightly unbalanced version of events … I wouldn't normally go around saying 'read the MacTaggart' because I like you, but this one is epic; it's incredibly funny and it is so on point.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Although both strains NCC 533 (49) and DPC6026 (Figure 1) appear to have a slightly unbalanced replichore, it does not appear to have had a detrimental effect on the growth of the strains (not shown).

Plosone

Walk in a slightly unbalanced manner.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

However, when implicit finite volume methods are used with large time steps, small cell areas, or parameters with extreme value ranges, the conservation of mass equation becomes slightly unbalanced with a residual.

Journal of Hydrology

They provide an overview of the toxicity of neurotransmitters when concentrations are slightly unbalanced.

F1000Research

We aimed to have five replicates of each line and pot size combination in a blocked design but due to germination failures the final design was slightly unbalanced.

Plosone

Yet the set feels slightly unbalanced in favour of slow and ethereal material.

The Guardian - Music

And Annie Rose, Alfie's really tiny sister, who has only just got up on her feet, is still slightly unbalanced.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slightly unbalanced" to describe abstract concepts like arguments or opinions, ensure the context clearly indicates what the point of balance or equilibrium should be. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a slightly unbalanced" when the imbalance is significant. This can create a misleading impression. Opt for stronger terms like "very unbalanced" or "significantly skewed" to accurately reflect the extent of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slightly unbalanced" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a state of mild disequilibrium or asymmetry. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

42%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slightly unbalanced" is a grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe something that is mildly out of equilibrium. Ludwig's analysis confirms its presence in various contexts, including News & Media and Science. It's crucial to avoid overstating the imbalance when using this phrase and to consider alternatives like "a bit unstable" or "somewhat lopsided" for nuanced expression. Remember to provide context to clarify the point of balance and avoid ambiguity when using it abstractly. The phrase's versatility makes it a useful tool for providing measured assessments across diverse topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a little off-balance

Rephrases 'slightly unbalanced' using 'off-balance', focusing on the loss of equilibrium.

somewhat lopsided

Replaces 'unbalanced' with 'lopsided' and 'slightly' with 'somewhat', indicating a lack of symmetry or balance.

a bit unstable

Uses 'unstable' instead of 'unbalanced', focusing on the lack of stability.

moderately unstable

Replaces 'slightly' with 'moderately', indicating a greater degree of instability.

mildly asymmetrical

Replaces 'unbalanced' with 'asymmetrical', emphasizing the lack of symmetry.

somewhat off-kilter

Substitutes 'unbalanced' with 'off-kilter', suggesting something is not quite right or centered.

a tad skewed

Replaces 'unbalanced' with 'skewed' and 'slightly' with 'a tad', suggesting a deviation from the norm.

marginally uneven

Uses 'uneven' instead of 'unbalanced', highlighting the lack of evenness or uniformity.

a touch wobbly

Replaces 'unbalanced' with 'wobbly', focusing on instability or shakiness.

somewhat disproportionate

Substitutes 'unbalanced' with 'disproportionate', emphasizing an imbalance in size or amount.

FAQs

How can I use "a slightly unbalanced" in a sentence?

You can use "a slightly unbalanced" to describe something that is not perfectly stable or even. For example, "The data set was "a slightly unbalanced" representation of the population."

What's a good alternative to "a slightly unbalanced"?

Alternatives include "a bit unstable", "somewhat lopsided", or "mildly asymmetrical", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a slightly unbalanced"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is commonly used in various contexts.

What is the difference between "a slightly unbalanced" and "very unbalanced"?

"A slightly unbalanced" suggests a minor deviation from equilibrium, while "very unbalanced" indicates a significant and noticeable deviation. The choice depends on the degree of imbalance you want to convey.