equilibrium

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/ˌikwəˈlɪbriəm/
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A state in which different forces or influences balance each other, so things stay stable.
Practice using equilibrium in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Adding more reactant shifted the equilibrium toward the products.
  • He had not yet regained his equilibrium after the shock.
  • The inner ear helps the body maintain equilibrium.
  • The reaction reached equilibrium after several hours.
  • A catalyst does not change the position of equilibrium.

Similar words

dynamic equilibrium
balance
reaction balance
equanimity
harmony
orientation
steadiness
composure
poise
equipoise

Meanings

Balance between influences

noun
everyday
formal
A state in which opposing forces, influences, or parts balance one another, leaving a system stable or without a net tendency to change.

Examples

  • After weeks of change, the market finally found a new equilibrium.
  • The sculpture stays upright only while the forces remain in equilibrium.
  • Removing one predator disturbed the ecological equilibrium.
  • Can the two sides reach an equilibrium between growth and conservation?
  • The system was not in equilibrium after the sudden temperature change.

Similar words

balance
stability
poise
equipoise
steadiness
harmony

Mental or emotional composure

noun
psychology
formal
A calm, steady state of mind or feeling, especially after pressure or shock.

Examples

  • She took a moment to recover her equilibrium before answering.
  • The criticism did not upset his emotional equilibrium.
  • A quiet walk helped restore my equilibrium after the argument.
  • How did you keep your equilibrium during such a difficult week?
  • He had not yet regained his equilibrium after the shock.

Similar words

composure
calm
poise
equanimity
serenity

Bodily balance

noun
medicine
formal
The body’s ability to remain balanced and correctly oriented, maintained largely through the inner ear.

Examples

  • The inner ear helps the body maintain equilibrium.
  • The infection affected her equilibrium, so she walked unsteadily.
  • Close your eyes and notice how your equilibrium changes.
  • The doctor tested his equilibrium after the fall.
  • Without good equilibrium, standing on one leg is difficult.

Similar words

balance
stability
orientation

Chemical equilibrium

noun
chemistry
neutral
The dynamic state in a reversible reaction where forward and reverse reactions occur at equal rates, so concentrations show no net change.

Examples

  • The reaction reached equilibrium after several hours.
  • At equilibrium, the forward and reverse reactions continue at equal rates.
  • Adding more reactant shifted the equilibrium toward the products.
  • Has the mixture reached equilibrium yet?
  • A catalyst does not change the position of equilibrium.

Similar words

dynamic equilibrium
reaction balance

Etymology

From Latin aequilibrium, an even balance, formed from aequus, equal, and libra, a balance or pair of scales. English has used it since around 1600.

FAQ

What does equilibrium mean?

It means a balanced state in which competing forces or influences produce no overall tendency to change.

What are the plural forms of equilibrium?

Both equilibria and equilibriums are accepted plurals. Equilibria is especially common in technical writing.

What does equilibrium mean in chemistry?

It is the dynamic state where forward and reverse reactions occur at equal rates, so concentrations show no net change.

Can equilibrium refer to a person?

Yes. It can mean mental composure or the body’s ability to remain balanced and correctly oriented.

How is equilibrium pronounced?

In General American English, equilibrium is pronounced /ˌikwəˈlɪbriəm/.

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