equilibrium
ehk-wih-LIHB-reerm
Equilibrium (noun) means a state of balance between opposing forces or influences, where nothing is changing. Example: “The market reached a new equilibrium once supply caught up with demand.”
noun
1
A state of balance between opposing forces or influences, where nothing is changing.
"The market reached a new equilibrium once supply caught up with demand."
"After the argument, it took days for the family to return to equilibrium."
"The two rival shops reached an equilibrium where neither could lower prices any further."
2
Physics/chemistry: a state where opposing processes (or forces) balance each other exactly.
"At chemical equilibrium, the forward and reverse reactions occur at the same rate."
"A pendulum at rest hangs in equilibrium because gravity and the string pull equally."
"The mixture reaches equilibrium once the amounts of each substance stop changing."
How to use equilibrium
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA balanced state where opposing forces cancel out and nothing is shifting.
Common pairings
reach equilibrium
delicate equilibrium
restore equilibrium
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Word forms
- Plural
- equilibriums, equilibria
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The market reached a new _____ once supply caught up with demand.
Etymology
From Latin aequilibrium, from aequus ("equal") + libra ("balance, scale").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
disequilibrium
Related words
Rhymes for equilibrium
See all rhymes for equilibrium →Frequently asked questions
What does “equilibrium” mean?
The word “equilibrium” means a state of balance between opposing forces or influences, where nothing is changing. In plain terms, a balanced state where opposing forces cancel out and nothing is shifting.
How do you pronounce “equilibrium”?
“Equilibrium” is pronounced ehk-wih-LIHB-reerm (/ɛkwɪˈlɪbɹɪəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “equilibrium” in a sentence?
Here is “equilibrium” used in a sentence: “The market reached a new equilibrium once supply caught up with demand.”
What part of speech is “equilibrium”?
“Equilibrium” is a noun.
Where does the word “equilibrium” come from?
The word “equilibrium” comes from Latin. From Latin aequilibrium, from aequus ("equal") + libra ("balance, scale").
Is “equilibrium” a common word?
“Equilibrium” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “equilibrium” have?
“Equilibrium” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a state of balance between opposing forces or influences, where nothing is changing.
What is the difference between equilibrium and balance?
"Balance" is the everyday word for a stable, even state, while "equilibrium" is often used in more formal or technical contexts, especially physics, chemistry, and economics, to describe a precise state where opposing forces cancel out exactly. In casual speech the two words are largely interchangeable.
How is equilibrium used differently in chemistry versus everyday language?
In chemistry, equilibrium describes a specific condition where forward and reverse reactions occur at equal rates so concentrations stop changing, even though the reactions continue. In everyday language, equilibrium simply means a general state of stability or calm between opposing influences.
What is the difference between equilibrium and stability?
Equilibrium refers to a state where opposing forces are balanced at a given moment, while stability describes whether a system tends to return to that balanced state after being disturbed. A system can be in equilibrium without being stable if the smallest disturbance would tip it permanently off balance.
Can equilibrium describe emotional or mental states?
Yes, equilibrium is commonly used figuratively to describe a calm, settled mental or emotional state, as in "regaining one's equilibrium" after a stressful event. This usage extends the core meaning of balance between opposing forces.
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