1. not in a state of equilibrium; characterized by imbalance or lack of stability
Usage: commonly used in physics, chemistry, and thermodynamics

1. a state or condition in which a system is not in equilibrium; departure from balance
Usage: technical term used in scientific contexts

Examples

• The nonequilibrium conditions in the reaction vessel caused the chemical process to proceed rapidly.
• Scientists study nonequilibrium systems to understand how living organisms maintain order.
• The market entered a nonequilibrium state after the sudden policy change.
• Nonequilibrium thermodynamics describes systems far from thermal balance.
• The system remained in nonequilibrium until external forces were removed.
• Researchers use nonequilibrium models to predict weather patterns and climate behavior.