dezechilibre

Dezechilibre is a term used to describe a state of imbalance or disequilibrium in a system that is not in a stable, stationary condition. It denotes processes or situations in which forces, flows, or rates do not balance, leading to ongoing change rather than a fixed equilibrium. The word is often encountered in discussions that cross disciplines, where systems are open to external influences or internal dynamics that prevent settling at a single point.

Etymology and usage notes: the term derives from the French déséquilibre, meaning imbalance or disequilibrium. In French technical literature, it is used to characterize non-equilibrium states in physics, economics, ecology, and other fields. In English-language texts, dezechilibre may appear as a loanword or a translated form to emphasize non-static conditions, particularly when comparing with a theoretical equilibrium.

Applications in various fields: in economics, disequilibrium describes markets where supply and demand do not meet at a single price, often due to frictions, information gaps, or external shocks, with prices and quantities adjusting over time. In physics and chemistry, disequilibrium refers to systems that exchange energy or matter with their surroundings and thus do not reach thermodynamic equilibrium, such as living organisms or atmospheric processes. In ecology, disequilibrium can result from disturbances, migration, or resource changes that prevent communities from attaining a steady state. In sociology or politics, the term can describe institutional or social conditions that shift away from balanced structures due to rapid change or inequality.

See also: equilibrium, disequilibrium, open system, entropy, homeostasis.