Disproportionate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disproportionate

[ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːrʃ(ə)nət ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

injustice

Excessively large or out of proportion in relation to something.

Synonyms

excessive, incommensurate, unbalanced, unequal.

Examples of usage

  • The punishment was disproportionate to the crime.
  • The amount of work expected was disproportionate to the time given.
  • His reaction seemed disproportionate to the situation.
Context #2 | Adjective

size

Not in correct relation or balance.

Synonyms

lopsided, unbalanced, uneven.

Examples of usage

  • The disproportionate size of the head compared to the body was striking.
  • The disproportionate number of men to women at the event was noticeable.

Translations

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Origin of 'disproportionate'

The word 'disproportionate' is derived from the Latin word 'disproportio', which means 'lack of proportion'. The concept of proportion has been a key element in art, architecture, and mathematics for centuries. Injustice and inequality have often been described using the term 'disproportionate' to highlight the imbalance or unfairness in a situation.


See also: disproportion, disproportionally, disproportionately, proportional, proportionally, proportionate, proportionately, proportions.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,616, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.