equilibrium
noun
equi·lib·ri·um ˌē-kwə-ˈli-brē-əm 
ˌe-
plural equilibriums or equilibria ˌē-kwə-ˈli-brē-ə
ˌe-
1
a
: a state of intellectual or emotional balance : poise
trying to recover his equilibrium
b
: a state of adjustment between opposing or divergent influences or elements
2
: a state of balance between opposing forces or actions that is either static (as in a body acted on by forces whose resultant is zero) or dynamic (as in a reversible chemical reaction when the rates of reaction in both directions are equal)
3
: balance sense 3a
Did you know?
Equilibrium contains a root from the Latin libra, meaning "weight" or "balance". As a constellation, zodiac symbol, and astrological sign, Libra is usually pictured as a set of balance scales, often held by the blindfolded goddess of justice, which symbolizes fairness, equality, and justice. Equilibrium has special meanings in biology, chemistry, physics, and economics, but in all of them it refers to the balance of competing influences.
Synonyms
- balance
- counterpoise
- equilibration
- equipoise
- poise
- stasis
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Supply and demand were in equilibrium. we must find an equilibrium between commercial development and conservation of our natural treasures
Recent Examples on the Web Private-sector data also point to a new equilibrium in the balance between remote and in-person work. 
Gwynn Guilford, WSJ, 15 Sep. 2022 Michelle threatens Julian’s chances at finding a post-prison equilibrium. Daniel D'addario, Variety, 6 Sep. 2022 The site settled into a new equilibrium, at a higher level of both emissions and absorption than before. Joshua Yaffa, The New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2022 The core idea is simple: Physical systems tend to settle toward equilibrium. Frank Wilczek, WSJ, 1 Sep. 2022 The focus on efficiency of growth also typically extends runway and thus buys more time for the market to settle into a new equilibrium around valuations. Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2022 The new study maps the average equilibrium line from 2000 to 2019, based on data from NASA's Terra satellite. Scott K. Johnson, Ars Technica, 30 Aug. 2022 Since the start of the current Holocene epoch, approximately 11,700 years ago, the rivers had sustained the Aral’s delicate equilibrium. Henry Wismayer, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Aug. 2022 Melting over the past century has altered the ice sheet's equilibrium, according to the National Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland study. Laura L. Davis, USA TODAY, 29 Aug. 2022 See More
Gwynn Guilford, WSJ, 15 Sep. 2022 Michelle threatens Julian’s chances at finding a post-prison equilibrium. Daniel D'addario, Variety, 6 Sep. 2022 The site settled into a new equilibrium, at a higher level of both emissions and absorption than before. Joshua Yaffa, The New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2022 The core idea is simple: Physical systems tend to settle toward equilibrium. Frank Wilczek, WSJ, 1 Sep. 2022 The focus on efficiency of growth also typically extends runway and thus buys more time for the market to settle into a new equilibrium around valuations. Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2022 The new study maps the average equilibrium line from 2000 to 2019, based on data from NASA's Terra satellite. Scott K. Johnson, Ars Technica, 30 Aug. 2022 Since the start of the current Holocene epoch, approximately 11,700 years ago, the rivers had sustained the Aral’s delicate equilibrium. Henry Wismayer, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Aug. 2022 Melting over the past century has altered the ice sheet's equilibrium, according to the National Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland study. Laura L. Davis, USA TODAY, 29 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Latin aequilibrium, from aequilibris being in equilibrium, from aequi- + libra weight, balance
First Known Use
1608, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing equilibrium
Kids Definition
equilibrium
noun
equi·lib·ri·um ˌē-kwə-ˈli-brē-əm
ˌe-kwə-
1
: a state of balance between opposing forces or actions
2
: the normal balanced state of the body that is maintained by the inner ear and that keeps a person or animal from falling
Medical Definition
equilibrium
noun
equi·lib·ri·um ˌē-kwə-ˈlib-rē-əm ˌek-wə-
ˌek-wə- plural equilibriums or equilibria -rē-ə
1
: a state of balance between opposing forces or actions that is either static (as in a body acted on by forces whose resultant is zero) or dynamic (as in a reversible chemical reaction when the velocities in both directions are equal)
2
: a state of intellectual or emotional balance
equilibrium
noun
1
as in balance
a condition in which opposing forces are equal to one another we must find an equilibrium between commercial development and conservation of our natural treasures Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- balance
- equilibration
- stasis
- poise
- equipoise
- stability
- counterpoise
- counterbalance
- steadiness
- security
- offset
- firmness
- fixedness
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- disequilibrium
- imbalance
- nonequilibrium
- unbalance
- instability
- fluctuation
- volatility
- insecurity
- precariousness
- mutability
- disequilibration
- unsteadiness
- changeability
- inconstancy
- shakiness
2
as in composure
evenness of emotions or temper that stunning insult left me speechless, and several minutes passed before I recovered my equilibrium Synonyms & Similar Words
- composure
- equanimity
- calmness
- collectedness
- serenity
- tranquility
- imperturbability
- tranquillity
- placidity
- coolness
- sangfroid
- tranquilness
- cool
- composedness
- repose
- confidence
- self-composedness
- countenance
- self-possession
- assurance
- poise
- aplomb
- impassivity
- indifference
- self-assurance
- detachment
- unconcern
- easygoingness
- numbness
- self-confidence
- laid-backness
- insensibility
- self-trust
- self-assuredness
- apathy
- phlegm
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- perturbation
- agitation
- anxiety
- concern
- care
- uneasiness
- apprehension
- alarm
- discomposure
- disquiet
- solicitude
- anxiousness
- worry
- excitability
- disturbance
- nervousness
- apprehensiveness
- alarum
- excitableness