Kilter

/ˈkɪltər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A state of proper order or alignment.

His plans fell out of kilter when the weather turned bad.

A condition of being out of tune or out of harmony.

Her life felt out of kilter after she lost her job.

verb

To adjust something to bring it back into proper condition or alignment.

He needed to kilter the shelves after they had shifted during the move.

Derived from the word 'kilt', meaning to cause to fall or to put in order.

out of kilter:

Not in proper order or alignment.

in kilter:

In good condition or proper order.

Out of whack or disorder.

Everything is just kilter today.

Messed up or chaotic.

Her life felt completely kilter after the breakup.