WBCS.LIVE practice question

Add a suitable prefix to form the opposite of the word 'Balance'.

Solve this multiple-choice question and check the correct answer with its explanation below.

Answer options

  1. Nonbalance
  2. Unbalance
  3. Disbalance
  4. Imbalance

Correct answer and explanation

Correct answer: Imbalance

Explanation: Rule: To form the opposite of a word, we add a suitable negative prefix such as un-, dis-, in-/im-, non- depending on correct usage in standard English. The choice depends on established word formation, not random prefix addition. Nonbalance ❌ → Rarely used, not a standard English word. Unbalance ❌ → Means to upset stability (verb), e.g., The news unbalanced him. It’s not the standard noun form opposite of "balance". Disbalance ❌ → Used in informal contexts in India, but not accepted in formal/standard English. Imbalance ✅ → Accepted standard noun meaning lack of balance or proportion, e.g., There is an imbalance in trade.