Disproportionally Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disproportionally

[ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːrʃənəli ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a way that is not in proportion

To a greater extent than would be expected from the relevant factors, especially unfairly or in a biased way.

Synonyms

disproportionately, unevenly, unfairly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
disproportionally	This is actually a less common variant and is often used interchangeably with 'disproportionately', but it can still imply an unbalanced or unfair situation. The benefits were handed out disproportionally Employees in the lower ranks are disproportionally affected by the budget cuts
unevenly	When describing something that is not equal or uniform in distribution or occurrence. The paint was spread unevenly on the wall Resources are distributed unevenly across different regions
unfairly	When describing a situation where something is unjustly or unreasonably done, often with a sense of moral judgment. She felt she was treated unfairly during the interview The exam results were unfairly adjusted
disproportionately	When you want to indicate that something is out of proportion in a negative or unbalanced way. Women are disproportionately affected by the new policy The wealth is distributed disproportionately among the population

Examples of usage

He was paid disproportionally less than his coworkers for the same amount of work.
The punishment was disproportionally harsh compared to the crime committed.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Statistics

In statistics, disproportionate representation can lead to skewed data and misinterpretations of trends.
Disproportionally affects how we perceive fairness in data distribution in various studies, such as healthcare access.

Economics

Economic disparity often highlights how wealth is disproportionally held by a small percentage of the population.
Income inequality is a major factor where wealth is disproportionally distributed across different regions or social classes.

Sociology

In social issues, one demographic may experience the consequences of an event disproportionally, such as in natural disasters or economic downturns.
Disproportionate impacts of policies can lead to discussions about social justice and equity.

Education

Educational resources can be disproportionally allocated, affecting student performance and outcomes based on their location or background.
Disproportionate funding in schools often results in disparities in educational quality among different communities.

Origin of 'disproportionally'

Main points about word origin

The word combines 'dis-' meaning 'not', 'proportion' meaning 'a part of a whole', and '-ally' to make it an adverb.
Its roots trace back to the Latin word 'proportio', which means 'a portion or part'.

The word 'disproportionally' is derived from the word 'disproportionate', which has been in use since the 15th century. The prefix 'dis-' means 'not' or 'opposite of', while 'proportionate' comes from the Latin word 'proportio', meaning 'symmetry' or 'balance'. The adverb 'disproportionally' is commonly used in discussions about fairness, equality, and justice, highlighting situations where something is not in proper proportion or balance.