slightly unbalanced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly unbalanced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, object, or person that is not perfectly balanced, either physically or metaphorically, to a minor degree. Example: "The table is slightly unbalanced, causing it to wobble when we place items on it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Bush's logo underperforms in this department and feels slightly unbalanced.

The Washington Post

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

The Guardian - Books

(Dalla Terra) Giacomo Conterno Barbera d'Alba, $50, ** Cascina Francia 2008 Brash, spicy flavors of fruit and minerals, but slightly unbalanced.

The New York Times - Food

That may be slightly unbalanced considering they have reached only three grand finals in that period, but few will quibble with Wellens' selection.

The Guardian - Sport

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

The design is slightly unbalanced with n1=45 and n2=55.

Journal of Statistical Distributions and Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

13 Amps, spinning at 28,000 RPM (that's a 270 MPH blade tip speed) on a slightly-unbalanced shaft just strikes us as a bad idea!

TechCrunch

16:9 at that size feels somewhat unbalanced.

TechCrunch

The score in the House is slightly less unbalanced, but there are still 1.36 Jims-Bobs-Jacks-Bills for every woman.

The New York Times

In this way, empty vehicles share some of the system's load, making the vehicle capacity usages slightly less unbalanced (See Figure 4E).

Plosone

Occasionally, pairings were unbalanced.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slightly unbalanced", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being unbalanced, whether it is a physical object, a dataset, or an abstract concept like an argument.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly unbalanced" when the degree of imbalance is significant. Using this phrase in such contexts can be misleading and weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly unbalanced" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a state of minor disequilibrium or asymmetry. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes a condition that is not perfectly balanced.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly unbalanced" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to describe a minor state of disequilibrium across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used in neutral registers. While primarily found in news, media, and scientific sources, it’s also appropriate for general use. When using this phrase, ensure that the degree of imbalance aligns with the modifier "slightly", avoiding exaggeration. Consider alternatives like "somewhat lopsided" or "a bit unstable" for subtle differences in meaning. This phrase offers a precise way to convey a nuanced understanding of imbalance without overstating the condition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat lopsided

Indicates a degree of imbalance, with a focus on physical asymmetry.

mildly askew

Suggests a minor deviation from a straight or level position.

a bit unstable

Focuses on a lack of stability, but to a small degree.

slightly uneven

Implies a lack of uniformity or regularity, with a minor difference.

nearly asymmetrical

Highlights the lack of perfect symmetry, close to being asymmetrical.

almost off-balance

Indicates a condition nearing a loss of balance.

marginally skewed

Suggests a slight deviation from a normal or expected distribution or alignment.

a touch wobbly

Implies a slight instability or shakiness.

subtly deranged

Signifies a very minor deviation from normal mental state. This shifts from physical to mental.

faintly unstable

Emphasizes the minimal amount of instability or insecurity.

FAQs

What does "slightly unbalanced" mean?

The phrase "slightly unbalanced" means that something is not perfectly balanced and that the imbalance is minor.

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

You can use "slightly unbalanced" to describe physical objects (e.g., "The table is slightly unbalanced"), data sets (e.g., "The data is slightly unbalanced"), or even abstract concepts (e.g., "The argument feels slightly unbalanced").

What are some alternatives to "slightly unbalanced"?

Alternatives include "somewhat lopsided", "a bit unstable", or "slightly uneven". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "slightly unbalanced"?

It's inappropriate to use "slightly unbalanced" when the imbalance is significant or severe. In such cases, stronger terms like "very unbalanced" or "completely lopsided" would be more accurate.