lack balance

[/læk ˈbæləns/]
verb phrase
falta de equilíbrio; carecer de equilíbrio
1. To be deficient in physical equilibrium or stability
The tightrope walker began to lack balance and fell into the net.
O equilibrista começou a carecer de equilíbrio e caiu na rede.
2. To be deficient in proportional distribution or harmony
The budget lacks balance between spending and revenue.
O orçamento carece de equilíbrio entre despesas e receitas.
3. To be mentally or emotionally unstable
After the trauma, he seemed to lack balance in his emotional responses.
Após o trauma, ele parecia carecer de equilíbrio emocional.
In Brazilian culture, 'falta de equilíbrio' is commonly used both literally (physical balance in capoeira, sports) and figuratively (work-life balance, emotional stability). The phrase is equally understood in Portugal and among Portuguese speakers worldwide, with no significant regional stigma or preference.
NYC Slang
off-kilter; out of whack
Synonyms / Sinônimos
be unbalancedlack equilibriumbe unstablelack stabilitybe off-balancelose balance
Antonyms / Antônimos
maintain balancehave equilibriumbe stablebe balancedkeep balance

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
falta de equilíbrio; carecer de equilíbrio
Most common usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
tá desiquilibrado; sem equilíbrio
More colloquial, informal usage
São Paulo
falta de equilíbrio
Formal and business contexts
Portugal
falta de equilíbrio; carecer de equilíbrio
Similar to Brazilian usage, slightly more formal

Related Words

equilibriumstabilityproportionharmonyasymmetryimbalance

Related Idioms & Phrases

throw someone off balance
lose one's footing
be out of sync
be unhinged
get wobbly
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