disequilibrium
/dis,i:kwi'libriəm/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A loss or lack of balance or stability in a system: A state where opposing forces, influences, or elements are not equal, leading to instability or change.
- An unstable situation in which some forces outweigh others: Specifically used in contexts like economics, physics, or biology to describe a system that is not in a state of equilibrium and is therefore subject to internal pressures for change.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The sudden policy change created a disequilibrium in the financial markets.
- A hormonal disequilibrium can cause various health issues.
- The therapist helped the patient address the emotional disequilibrium caused by the trauma.
Advanced Usage
- "to be in disequilibrium": To exist in a state of imbalance.
- The ecosystem has been in disequilibrium since the invasive species was introduced.
- "a state of disequilibrium": A condition characterized by instability and lack of balance.
- The peace talks failed, leaving the region in a prolonged state of disequilibrium.
Variants and Related Words
- Equilibrium (n): A state of balance between opposing forces or influences; the opposite state of disequilibrium.
- The economy returned to equilibrium after the crisis.
- Disequilibrate (v, rare): To throw out of balance; to cause disequilibrium.
- The shock disequilibrated the entire system.
Synonyms
- Imbalance: A lack of proportion or balance.
- Instability: The state of being unstable; lack of stability.
- Unsteadiness: The quality of not being steady or stable.
Antonyms
- Equilibrium: A state of physical balance or a stable system.
- Balance: A condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.
- Stability: The state of being stable; not likely to change or fail.
Related Phrases and Concepts
- Market disequilibrium: An economic situation where the quantity supplied does not equal the quantity demanded at the prevailing price.
- The price controls led to a persistent market disequilibrium.
- Cognitive disequilibrium: In psychology and education, a state of mental imbalance that occurs when new information conflicts with existing understanding, often driving learning.
- The puzzling experiment created a cognitive disequilibrium that motivated the students to seek new knowledge.
Noun
- loss of equilibrium attributable to an unstable situation in which some forces outweigh others