noun
equilibrium
ehk-wih-LIHB-reerm
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."
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."
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
Word Forms
equilibriums plural, equilibria plural
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The market reached a new _____ once supply caught up with demand.
Etymology
From Latin aequilibrium, from aequus ("equal") + libra ("balance, scale").