Phrase guide

balancing act

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A performance that involves balancing things precariously and suspensefully.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: entertainment, lifestyle

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: equilibristics

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

An effort to manage many conflicting or competing items or interests.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: équilibrisme — performance
  • Italian: equilibrismo — performance
  • Spanish: equilibrismo — performance
  • German: Balanceakt — effort to manage conflicting interests
  • German: Gratwanderung — effort to manage conflicting interests
  • German: Spagat — effort to manage conflicting interests