Disproportional: meaning, definitions and examples
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disproportional
[ ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːrʃənl ]
inequality
Disproportional refers to something that is not in proportion or not appropriately balanced. It often describes a situation where one aspect is significantly greater or lesser than another, leading to an imbalance.
Synonyms
asymmetrical, disparate, imbalance, uneven
Examples of usage
- The wealth distribution in the country is disproportional.
- The team's playing time was disproportional to their skill level.
- The government's funding allocation was disproportional to the needs.
- There is a disproportional representation of minorities in the workforce.
Etymology
The term 'disproportional' is derived from the prefix 'dis-', meaning 'not' or 'opposite of', and the root word 'proportional', which comes from the Latin 'proportionalis', a term that means 'in proportion'. The concept of proportion itself has its origins in the Latin word 'proportio', which refers to a relation between quantities or magnitudes. The use of 'disproportional' in English dates back to around the early 20th century, where it began to be used in various contexts, particularly in social and economic discussions to highlight inequalities and imbalances. The word has gained traction in modern discourse, especially in policy-making and social justice conversations, as awareness of disproportionate impacts on different demographics has grown.