What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unbalance
Example
The uneven distribution of weight unbalanced the table and caused it to wobble. [unbalanced: past tense]
Example
The shocking news unbalanced her emotionally and she needed time to recover. [unbalanced: adjective]
Example
The sudden influx of new employees unbalanced the company's budget and caused financial strain. [unbalanced: verb]
destabilize
Example
The terrorist attack destabilized the government and caused widespread panic. [destabilized: past tense]
Example
The introduction of a new technology destabilized the market and caused a shift in the industry. [destabilized: verb]
Example
The natural disaster destabilized the region and left many people homeless. [destabilized: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Destabilize is more commonly used than unbalance in academic, political, and social contexts. Unbalance is less common and tends to be used in more specific or technical contexts related to physics, engineering, or mechanics.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unbalance and destabilize?
Destabilize is more formal than unbalance and is often used in academic, political, or technical writing. Unbalance is more informal and can be used in casual conversation or everyday language.
