How to pronounce imbalance
Say it like im-BAL-uns. Imbalance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BAL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce imbalance. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- im
- BAL
- uns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Imbalance pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- imKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- BALSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- unsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of imbalance
American and British speakers say imbalance in essentially the same way: /ɪmˈbæləns/ in the US and /ɪmˈbæləns/ in the UK.
British respelling: im-BAL-uns.
What does imbalance mean?
- The property of not being in balance.“The growing imbalances between the rich and poor first lead to more crime.”
Where does imbalance come from?
From im- + balance.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with imbalance
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of imbalance.
Questions about saying imbalance
How do you pronounce imbalance?
Say im-BAL-uns. The American pronunciation is /ɪmˈbæləns/. In British English it is /ɪmˈbæləns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in imbalance?
Imbalance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BAL). Broken into parts: im · BAL · uns.
Do Americans and Brits say imbalance the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɪmˈbæləns/ and the British form is /ɪmˈbæləns/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.