a state of equilibrium

USAGE SUMMARY

"a state of equilibrium" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which two or more forces, influences, or conditions are balanced and in harmony. For example, "The negotiation process was difficult but ultimately both sides were able to reach a state of equilibrium."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

How best to keep these sides in a state of equilibrium?

The Guardian - Tech

The taste is seamless, the sesame and the garlic in a state of equilibrium.

The New York Times - Food

"My body temperature is moving toward a state of equilibrium with this water, yielding to the second law of thermodynamics".

The New York Times - Books

According to this mentality, a big successful nation exists in a state of equilibrium between its many factions.

The New York Times

Thousands of years are required to attain a state of equilibrium where permafrost is hundreds of feet thick.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Antarctic Ice Sheet seems to be approximately in a state of equilibrium, neither increasing nor decreasing significantly according to the best estimates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

American sociologist Talcott Parsons postulated that all social systems tend to approximate a state of equilibrium, although no concrete system will actually reach a perfectly equilibrated state.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In this technique, a gaseous system in a state of equilibrium is subjected to an ultrashort burst of light that causes photochemical reactions in the gas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I think you have to take it as a given that the trees grow and die and the ruins, in fact, are also moving slowly but surely in a state of equilibrium," Mr. Stubbs said.

The New York Times

A striking feature of this account is the conception of guna: nature is said to consist of three gunas originally in a state of equilibrium and subsequently in varying states of mutual preponderance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The expansion is ultimately arrested by the gravitational force associated with the enormous mass of the star, at which point a state of equilibrium in both size and temperature is achieved.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a state of equilibrium", ensure the context clearly identifies the forces or elements that are balanced. Provide specific details to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid treating "a state of equilibrium" as a static, unchanging condition. Real-world equilibrium often involves continuous adjustments and fluctuations to maintain balance. Ensure your description reflects this dynamic aspect where applicable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a state of equilibrium" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, denoting a condition of balance. Ludwig shows various examples of its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a state of equilibrium" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively describes a condition of balance between opposing forces. As confirmed by Ludwig, it commonly appears in scientific, news, and encyclopedia sources, reflecting its broad applicability. When employing this phrase, ensure to specify the elements that are in balance and recognize that equilibrium often involves dynamic adjustments rather than static stability. Exploring alternatives like "a balanced condition" or "a stable situation" can provide nuanced options for conveying the intended meaning. While widely accepted, remember that "a state of equilibrium" isn't always the desired outcome, as progress may require disrupting existing balances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a balanced condition

Focuses more on the 'balanced' aspect, implying equal distribution or influence.

a stable situation

Emphasizes the 'stability' aspect, highlighting resistance to change or disruption.

a point of balance

Highlights the 'point' or moment where opposing forces are equal.

a condition of stability

Stresses the 'condition' of being stable and unchanging.

a harmonious state

Emphasizes the 'harmony' and agreement between elements.

a state of poise

Implies a composed and balanced readiness.

a steady state

Suggests a condition where inputs and outputs are equal over time.

dynamic equilibrium

Highlights that the equilibrium is maintained by continuous change and adjustment.

homeostasis

Refers specifically to the maintenance of a stable internal environment in biological systems.

a level playing field

Implies fairness and equal opportunity among competitors or participants.

FAQs

How can I use "a state of equilibrium" in a sentence?

You can use "a state of equilibrium" to describe situations where opposing forces are balanced. For example, "The company aimed to achieve "a state of equilibrium" between profits and employee well-being."

What phrases are similar to "a state of equilibrium"?

Similar phrases include "a balanced condition", "a stable situation", or "a harmonious state", depending on the specific context.

Is it always desirable to achieve "a state of equilibrium"?

While "a state of equilibrium" often implies stability and balance, it's not always the ideal outcome. Sometimes, change and progress require disrupting the existing equilibrium. It depends on the specific situation.

What is the difference between "a state of equilibrium" and "a state of parity"?

"A state of equilibrium" suggests a balance of opposing forces, while "a state of parity" implies equality or equivalence. They are similar but not interchangeable, as parity focuses on equal status rather than balanced forces.