equilibrium

USAGE SUMMARY

"equilibrium" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe a state in which opposing forces are balanced, or when a situation remains the same over a period of time. For example: "The markets are in equilibrium, as supply and demand for stocks remain steady."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They thus note, "Using short records with uncertain forcings of the Earth system that is not in equilibrium does not (yet) produce reliable estimates of climate sensitivity".

The Guardian

It would be better all round, Paris reckons, not to disturb Europe's present fragile equilibrium by opening Pandora's box.

The Guardian

Joe Root and Jonathan Trott demonstrate how delicate the equilibrium of a batting order can be.

The Guardian - Sport

Trenberth and Fasullo note that using their ocean heating estimate by itself would increase the equilibrium climate sensitivity estimate in the paper referenced by Ridley from 2°C to 2.5°C average global surface warming in response to a doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide, and using other more widespread accepted values would bring the estimate in line with the standard value of 3°C.

The Guardian

Those who know him, however, believe he is a sober and caring man who could just be the pope to bring some much-needed equilibrium to a troubled Vatican.

The Guardian

While there's plenty of stuff out there designed to lift the spirits, some of the most rewarding comedy – from Aristophanes to Chris Morris – has been about disturbing the audience's equilibrium and challenging their comfortable preconceptions.

The Guardian

But if he has come to terms with the remnants of empire, others find equilibrium much tricker to get to.

The Guardian

To scrap it suddenly would not be possible in the short- to medium-term because "the entire economic equilibrium of the audio-visual world and theatre is based on it".

The Guardian

Too often people in a relationship do not want to listen to their partner's woes because they feel that means they are to blame, or that they have to fix them, but actually, being heard non-defensively and sympathetically goes a long way to restoring equilibrium.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Conservatives have plenty of time to regain their equilibrium.

The Guardian - Opinion

My equilibrium lasted a further five seconds.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, ensure that the context clearly defines what opposing forces are in "equilibrium". For instance, specify whether you are referring to supply and demand in economics or opposing chemical reactions in a science context.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "equilibrium" implies a static or unchanging state. Real-world equilibriums are often dynamic, constantly adjusting to maintain balance in response to changing conditions.

Linguistic Context

The term "equilibrium" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a state of balance or stability where opposing forces counteract each other. Ludwig AI examples show its use in various contexts, including economics, physics, and even social dynamics, to describe conditions of balance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "equilibrium" is a versatile noun used to describe a state of balance across various domains, from economics to physics. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Its frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The Economist and The Guardian underscore its importance in both formal and informal contexts. While "equilibrium" generally implies stability, remember that real-world equilibriums are often dynamic, constantly adjusting to maintain balance. Understanding this nuance will help you use the term more accurately and effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

balance

Refers to a state where different elements are equal or in the correct proportions, similar to "equilibrium" but more general.

stability

Indicates a state of being steady and unchanging, emphasizing resistance to disturbance, a key aspect of "equilibrium".

steady state

Implies a condition where inputs and outputs are equal, maintaining a constant level, a more technical synonym for "equilibrium".

state of balance

A more descriptive term for "equilibrium", highlighting the condition of being balanced.

point of balance

Focuses on the specific instance where balance is achieved, rather than the overall state of "equilibrium".

equalization

Describes the process of making things equal, leading to a state of "equilibrium".

harmonious state

Emphasizes the agreement or concord that results from a balanced state, related to "equilibrium" in social or aesthetic contexts.

counterbalance

Suggests opposing forces that create a balance, similar to how "equilibrium" is maintained.

neutrality

Indicates a state of being unbiased or impartial, which can contribute to "equilibrium" in certain situations.

symmetry

Refers to a balanced or proportionate arrangement, often used in physical contexts relating to "equilibrium".

FAQs

How can I use the word "equilibrium" in a sentence?

You can use "equilibrium" to describe a state of balance, like in the sentence: "The market reached a new "equilibrium" after the initial price fluctuations".

What are some words similar in meaning to "equilibrium"?

Alternatives to "equilibrium" include "balance", "stability", and "steady state", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "equilibria" instead of "equilibrium"?

"Equilibria" is the plural form of "equilibrium", used when referring to multiple states of balance. For example, "The system can exist in multiple "equilibria"".

What is the difference between "equilibrium" and "imbalance"?

"Equilibrium" refers to a state of balance, while "imbalance" signifies a lack of balance or proportion. They are direct antonyms, representing opposite conditions.