balanced

[ bal-uhnst ]

adjective

1. fairly or equally containing a diversity of views, aspects, ingredients, activities, etc.:

   The course provides a balanced program of study in painting, design, sculpture, and ceramics.

   Some newspapers provided more balanced coverage of the conflict.

2. being in harmonious or proper arrangement or adjustment, proportion, etc.:

   These guidelines will help beginning photographers achieve a balanced composition in each shot.

   Synonyms: evenhanded, impartial, just, equitable, fair

3. (of a budget) showing enough revenue or income to cover all expenses:

   Our newly formed Finance Council will promote a balanced budget and long-range financial planning.

4. (of an investment portfolio) including investments of a variety of types or in a variety of sectors so as to maximize returns with a manageable level of risk:

   Stocks can help you achieve a balanced portfolio when combined with fixed-income investments such as bonds.

5. Football. pertaining to or noting an offensive line formation having three linemen on each side of the center. Compare unbalanced ( def 5 ).

balanced

/ ˈbælənst /

adjective

1. having weight evenly distributed; being in a state of equilibrium
2. (of a person) mentally and emotionally stable
3. (of a discussion, programme, etc) presenting opposing points of view fairly and without bias
4. (of a diet) consisting of all essential nutrients in suitable form and amounts to maintain health
5. (of a budget) having expenditure no greater than income
6. electronics (of signals or circuitry) symmetrically disposed about earth or other reference potential
7. (of a chemical equation) having the correct relative number of moles of reactants and products

Other Words From

• self-bal·anced adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of balanced¹

First recorded in 1585–95; balance + -ed ²

Example Sentences

As the traditional ways of life are lost, the reasoning goes, people exchange walking for driving, balanced diets for ultraprocessed food, and old rural communities for life in cities.

From Science Magazine

"Stimulating the vagus nerve neutralized the effects of stress and restored a balanced and healthy physiologic state," said Ulloa, a Duke researcher, the leading andcorresponding author of the study.

From Science Daily

The loss of this balanced skin microbiota can lead to diseases such as atopic dermatitis, acne, and psoriasis.

From Science Daily

He added its report had found "repeated failures of governance and integrity", and that its inquiry had been fair, balanced and independent.

From BBC

The balanced budget outlook through 2025-26 also relies on $7 billion from the state’s rainy day fund, which Newsom and lawmakers previously agreed upon, and continuing to limit corporate tax deductions and credits.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• equitable
• fair