If the adhesion and cohesion forces were equal in a graduated cylinder, there would be no meniscus formation. This is because the shape of a meniscus is a result of the difference in strength between the adhesive and cohesive forces between the liquid and the surface it comes into contact with.
If the adhesive forces were equal to the cohesive forces, the liquid would not be attracted more strongly to the surface of the container than to its own molecules. As a result, the surface of the liquid would be flat and level with the edge of the container. This is the case with mercury, which has approximately equal cohesive and adhesive forces, resulting in a flat surface in a container.
However, in most cases, the adhesive forces between a liquid and a container are stronger than the cohesive forces between the liquid molecules themselves, resulting in a concave meniscus. This is because the liquid is attracted more strongly to the surface of the container than to its own molecules, causing the surface of the liquid to curve downward at the edges. On the other hand, if the cohesive forces were stronger than the adhesive forces, the liquid would form a convex meniscus, with the surface of the liquid curving upward at the edges. This is the case with water in a hydrophobic container, such as a wax-coated or greasy container.