loss of equilibrium

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loss of equilibrium" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to balance, stability, or mental state, often in scientific, medical, or metaphorical discussions. Example: "The sudden loss of equilibrium caused her to stumble and fall."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

In no case, however, need there be any loss of equilibrium.

Britannica

A catastrophic loss of equilibrium stability is then not excluded.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

During the rehearsal process he had begun to suffer from severe headaches and a loss of equilibrium, Mr. Reese said, and he was admitted to the hospital on April 1.

The New York Times - Arts

He notes that the normal, gradual loss of equilibrium as you get older tends to correlate with weakening vision and inner-ear function as well as diminishing activity level and muscle strength.

The Washington Post

A disturbance appearing in the magnetotail on the time scale T1 results in a loss of equilibrium in the plasma sheet.

Advances in Space Research

We concluded that CME models (tether cutting, break out, loss of equilibrium models) are based on these basic mechanisms for the onset of CMEs.

Advances in Space Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Coupling the ideal loss-of-equilibrium process with the non-ideal reconnection processes, and incorporating thermal conduction, chromospheric evaporation, and radiative cooling, shows great promise as a way to account for the light curves of both solar and stellar flares.

Advances in Space Research

d The loss-of-equilibrium model proposed by Forbes and Priest (1995).

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

There is no evidence of loss of local equilibrium at the melt front during melting in these experiments.

Acta Materialia

We have hypothesized that this Cl- comes from intracellular and interstitial compartments as a result of the partial loss of Donnan equilibrium due to albumin exiting the intravascular space.

Critical Care

By targeting intestinal epithelial cells, CPE is thought to act by forming small pores to increase membrane permeability with a subsequent loss of osmotic equilibrium resulting in cell lysis (Stark and Duncan, 1971; Matsuda and Sugimoto, 1979).

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing medical or biological contexts, use "loss of equilibrium" to specifically denote a disruption in the body's balancing mechanisms. For more general contexts, consider synonyms like "instability" or "imbalance".

Common error

Avoid using "loss of equilibrium" metaphorically when a simpler term like "instability" would be clearer. The phrase is most precise when referring to actual balance, not just a general sense of things being 'off'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loss of equilibrium" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state or condition, as seen in the Ludwig examples where it's associated with medical symptoms or physical processes. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "loss of equilibrium" is a common and grammatically sound term that refers to a state of imbalance or instability. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. It is most frequently encountered in scientific and medical contexts, where it describes a disruption in physical or biological systems. While also found in news reporting, its technical nature makes it less common in informal writing. For more general writing, consider synonyms like "instability" or "imbalance". Be mindful of the specific context and avoid using "loss of equilibrium" metaphorically when a simpler term would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impaired balance

Focuses specifically on the physical aspect of balance being compromised.

disequilibrium

A more formal and direct synonym, indicating a lack of equilibrium.

instability

Highlights the general state of being unstable, which can apply to various contexts.

lack of balance

A straightforward way of expressing the absence of balance.

imbalance

Implies a disruption of a balanced state.

unsteadiness

Refers to a lack of steadiness, often related to physical movement.

loss of stability

Similar, but emphasizes the loss of a previously stable condition.

disrupted balance

Focuses on the disruption of an existing state of balance.

destabilization

Highlights the process of becoming unstable.

equilibrium disturbance

A more technical term, indicating a disruption of the equilibrium state.

FAQs

What does "loss of equilibrium" mean in a medical context?

In a medical context, "loss of equilibrium" refers to the inability to maintain balance, often due to issues with the inner ear, brain, or nervous system. It can manifest as dizziness, unsteadiness, or difficulty walking.

What are some common causes of "loss of equilibrium"?

Common causes include inner ear infections, Meniere's disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), head injuries, certain medications, and neurological conditions. Age-related decline in vision and muscle strength can also contribute.

Which is more appropriate, "loss of balance" or "loss of equilibrium"?

Both phrases are largely interchangeable. "Loss of equilibrium" might be preferred in more formal or scientific contexts, while "loss of balance" is common in everyday language. The choice depends on the intended audience and level of formality.

How is "loss of equilibrium" different from being dizzy?

Dizziness is a broader term encompassing various sensations, including lightheadedness, faintness, and vertigo. "Loss of equilibrium" specifically refers to the sensation of being off-balance or unsteady, which can be one symptom of dizziness.