1 B1 neutral
When opposing factors compensate for each other, resulting in an overall equilibrium.
"The extra costs were balanced out by the money we saved on transport."
inseparable
balance out
B1 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
When two opposing things or forces become equal, or when something compensates for something else.
In plain English
When good things and bad things are equal, so nothing is too much or too little.
What does "balance out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To add or adjust something so that two sides or elements become equal.
"Add a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes."
separable
3 B1 informal
To become stable or equal over a period of time, especially after fluctuations.
"Don't worry about one bad week — your grades will balance out over the semester."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To bring a scale or balance into equilibrium — fairly transparent.
Actually means
When good things and bad things are equal, so nothing is too much or too little.
Usage tip
Used across many contexts — personal finance, emotions, physical forces, food flavour, and more. Often used reassuringly to suggest that differences will eventually become equal.
Words that pair with "balance out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
costs gains losses flavours positives negatives
How to conjugate "balance out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
balance out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
balances out
he/she/it
Past simple
balanced out
yesterday
Past participle
balanced out
have + pp
-ing form
balancing out
continuous
Hear "balance out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "balance out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "balance out"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.