unbalance

Everyday

1. To unbalance something is to make it lose its balance, so it tips or wobbles. tree →
2. To unbalance a situation is to make it unfair or uneven, such as giving one team many more good players. tree →
3. (older use) To unbalance a person is to upset them so much that they cannot think clearly. tree →
4. (noun, rare) Unbalance is a lack of balance; «imbalance» is the usual word. tree →

In the lessons

In science and PE: weight on one side can unbalance a seesaw or a gymnast. In maths, an equation is like a balance – adding to one side only unbalances it. In fairness talk: big differences can unbalance a game or a diet. Adjective «unbalanced» is common: «an unbalanced diet».

Examples

• A big wave unbalanced the boat. tree →
• Don't lean too far or you'll unbalance the ladder. tree →
• Putting all the tall children on one team would unbalance the game. tree →
• If you add 3 to only one side, you unbalance the equation. tree →
• The heavy bag unbalanced my bike. tree →
• Eating only sweets gives you an unbalanced diet. tree →

Note

Regular verb. The noun usually used is «imbalance», not «unbalance». In maths, keep an equation balanced by doing the same thing to both sides. Calling a person «unbalanced» (mentally) is unkind and old-fashioned.