WordGarden.iodisproportionate
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /dˌɪsprəpˈɔːʃənət/
US
- /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔrʃənɪt/
Meanings
Adjective
too large, small, strong, or important in relation to something else
Beyond the definition
Imagine dividing a pizza between friends. If one person gets five slices while everyone else gets only one, that's disproportionate – meaning it's not fair or balanced. It describes something where the parts aren't in the right relationship to each other. A disproportionate amount of rain can cause flooding, and a disproportionate number of problems might make a project seem impossible. Sometimes it simply means "too much" or "excessive."
Think about how easily a small lie can create a disproportionate reaction – an over-the-top response that doesn't match the offense. Or consider news coverage: if a minor event receives disproportionate media attention, it suggests something else is at play, like bias or sensationalism.
The word disproportionate describes a situation where things are out of proportion – meaning there isn't a fair or reasonable relationship between different parts or quantities. It implies an imbalance, often suggesting that one element is significantly larger or smaller than it should be compared to others.
You might hear about a disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, meaning these groups are suffering far more severely than others. Or you could read about a disproportionate representation of certain groups in leadership roles, highlighting an imbalance in who holds power. It's often used when discussing fairness, justice, or equality.
However, disproportionate doesn't always imply something negative. A talented artist might receive disproportionate praise compared to their peers – meaning they are recognized far more than others due to exceptional skill.
The key is that there's a noticeable lack of balance. It can refer to numbers ("a disproportionately high number of accidents"), amounts ("a disproportionate share of the budget went to defense"), or even reactions ("his anger was disproportionate to the situation"). It's about something being noticeably out of whack with what seems reasonable or expected.
So, when you encounter something that feels unbalanced, unfair, or excessively large or small in relation to everything else – chances are it's disproportionate.
Examples
- 1
Penalty
The fine was disproportionate to the mistake.
- Patterndisproportionate to + comparison
not reasonable when compared with it
- 2
Economic impact
Small price increases can have a disproportionate effect on low-income families.
- 3
Public funding
One district receives a disproportionate share of the city's funding.
- 4
Time use
She spends a disproportionate amount of her time dealing with email.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Online influence
A few large accounts have disproportionate influence over what goes viral online.
See also
Similar
- excessive
- out of proportion
- inordinate
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- disproportionate impact
- disproportionate response
- disproportionate share
- disproportionate amount
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- disproportionateverbadjective
Forms
- disproportionatedpast tenseverbadjective
- disproportionatesverbadjective
- disproportionating-ing formverbadjective