Meaning & use
ballast weight
Last updated
UK/ˈbæləst weɪt/
US/ˈbæləst weɪt/
Meaning
nouncountabletechnical
A heavy object or material added to a vehicle or structure to improve stability or balance.
Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a ballast weight' or 'ballast weights'.
Patterns
- add ballast weight
- use something as ballast weight
The engineer added a ballast weight to the front of the tractor to stop it tipping.
The ship carries water as ballast weight to keep it stable in rough seas.
Racing cars often use lead ballast weights to meet minimum weight rules.
Word forms
| plural | ballast weights |
|---|
Common combinations
- add ballast weight
- You may need to add ballast weight if the load is too light.
- lead ballast weight
- The mechanic installed a lead ballast weight under the seat.
- ballast weight distribution
- Correct ballast weight distribution improves handling.
Synonyms and how they differ
- counterweight
- A counterweight is specifically used to balance an opposing force, while ballast weight is more about general stability.
- ballast
- Ballast can mean the material itself (e.g., stones, water) or the concept, whereas ballast weight often refers to a discrete object.
Word family
- ballast noun
- Heavy material used to stabilize a ship or vehicle.
Practice
What is the main purpose of a ballast weight?
Choose one answer.
Ballast weight is added to improve stability, not for decoration, fuel economy, or speed.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “ballast weight”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
Your sentence stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.