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An imbalance where one aspect (e.g., length, quantity, or quality) disproportionately exceeds another, leading to poor overall harmony or effectiveness.
这本书长短失调，前半部分精彩，后半部分却拖沓冗长。
This book suffers from an imbalance—the first half is brilliant, but the second half drags on tediously.
该报告长短失调，数据分析部分占比过重，而结论却寥寥数语。
The report is unbalanced—the data analysis section dominates disproportionately, while the conclusions are barely a few sentences.
Often used in contexts like writing, filmmaking, or presentations where disproportionate emphasis on one element undermines the whole.
Look for phrases like '过长' (too long), '不足' (insufficient), or '拖沓' (tedious) in Chinese texts to identify '长短失调' scenarios.
When critiquing art or writing, '长短失调' implies the creator failed to allocate proportional attention to key elements (e.g., plot vs. description, data vs. analysis).
Combines '长短' (length disparity) and '失调' (dysregulation/imbalance), reflecting traditional Chinese emphasis on harmony and balance in aesthetics or composition.
Primarily used in artistic, literary, or analytical contexts to criticize disproportionate focus. Less common in casual speech.