disequilibrium

/dis,i:kwi'libriəm/

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Word: Disequilibrium

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Disequilibrium refers to a situation where balance is lost. It often happens when some forces are stronger than others, leading to instability. You can think of it like a seesaw that tips to one side because one person is heavier than the other.

Usage Instructions:

• When to Use: You can use "disequilibrium" when talking about situations that are unbalanced or unstable, whether in economics, biology, or everyday life.
• How to Use: It is typically used in formal contexts, such as discussions about science, economics, or psychology.

Examples:

1. The sudden change in demand caused a disequilibrium in the market, leading to price fluctuations.
2. The ecosystem faced disequilibrium when one species was removed, causing overpopulation of another.

Advanced Usage:

In economics, "disequilibrium" can refer to when supply and demand are not equal, leading to shortages or surpluses. In psychology, it might describe a state of mental imbalance or stress.

Word Variants:

• Equilibrium (noun): This is the opposite of disequilibrium, meaning a state of balance.
• Equilibrate (verb): To bring something back into balance.

Different Meanings:

While "disequilibrium" is most commonly used in contexts of balance, it can also refer to emotional or psychological instability.

Synonyms:

• Imbalance
• Instability
• Disparity
• Disarray

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "disequilibrium," but you might hear phrases like "out of balance" or "in a state of flux," which convey a similar idea.

Academic

Noun

1. loss of equilibrium attributable to an unstable situation in which some forces outweigh others