disequilibrium

noun

dis·​equi·​lib·​ri·​um (ˌ)dis-ˌē-kwə-ˈli-brē-əm How to pronounce disequilibrium (audio)
-ˌe-kwə-
: loss or lack of equilibrium

Examples of disequilibrium in a Sentence

The condition is caused by a disequilibrium in the brain's chemistry.
Recent Examples on the Web So much of it is in disequilibrium, riddled by heat, pressure, and chemicals trying to get from their current location to somewhere else. Robin George Andrews, The Atlantic, 26 Sep. 2024 As Sargent understood and Peri proves, this couple requires an eye for dynamic disequilibrium. Phyllis Rose, The Atlantic, 7 Aug. 2024 This analysis is not new, and its plausibility rests on explaining away the powerful European Central Bank and on a blanket assertion that the EU is in disequilibrium and might change. Andrew Moravcsik, Foreign Affairs, 16 Feb. 2016 Researchers also see empathic disequilibrium as a possibility for some people. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 3 Oct. 2023 See all Example Sentences for disequilibrium 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'disequilibrium.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disequilibrium was in 1840

Dictionary Entries Near disequilibrium

Cite this Entry

“Disequilibrium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disequilibrium. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

disequilibrium

noun
dis·​equi·​lib·​ri·​um (ˌ)dis-ˌē-kwə-ˈlib-rē-əm, -ˌek-wə- How to pronounce disequilibrium (audio)
plural disequilibriums or disequilibria -rē-ə How to pronounce disequilibrium (audio)
: loss or lack of equilibrium
ionic disequilibrium in a resting nerve cell
emotional disequilibrium

More from Merriam-Webster on disequilibrium

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!