in the balance

ADJECTIVE

pending

Synonyms

STRONGEST

imminent impending undecided

WEAK

awaiting continuing dependent forthcoming hanging in line in the offing in the works indeterminate ominous on board on line pendent undetermined unsettled up in the air

Antonyms

STRONGEST

distant later

WEAK

improbable unlikely

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Richards said the midfielder's World Cup hopes are in the balance, but if he was in Tuchel's shoes he would be taking him.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

President Donald Trump on Tuesday said his Food and Drug Commissioner, Marty Makary, will be replaced, following days of news reports that Makary’s job hung in the balance.

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

In a world where public trust in science already hangs in the balance, a system that is visibly strained and occasionally embarrassed gives bad-faith actors fresh ammunition.

From Slate • May 3, 2026

They are also investigating links to conditions such as osteoporosis, migraine, age-related changes in the balance system and genetics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

But in reality, a whole lot of lives hung in the balance.

From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi

in the balance

Example Sentences

Related Words