Meaning & use
disproportionate
Last updated
Meanings
adjectivecomparableformal
Too large or too small in comparison with something else, so that the balance seems unfair or wrong.
Grammar: Used before a noun or after a verb, usually followed by to: the penalty was disproportionate to the offense.
Patterns
- disproportionate to something
- a disproportionate amount of something
- a disproportionate number of people
The punishment was disproportionate to the crime.
A disproportionate share of the budget goes to administration.
The town suffers a disproportionate number of accidents.
adjectivecomparableformal
Having parts that are not in a balanced size or shape relative to each other.
Grammar: Describes something physical: a disproportionate head or building.
Patterns
- disproportionate in size
- look disproportionate
The statue looked odd because its hands were disproportionate to its body.
The new tower is disproportionate to the old village.
The puppy's disproportionate paws showed it would grow large.
Word forms
| comparative | more disproportionate |
|---|---|
| superlative | most disproportionate |
Common combinations
- disproportionate to
- The fine was disproportionate to the damage.
- disproportionate amount
- She spends a disproportionate amount of time on email.
- disproportionate impact
- The tax has a disproportionate impact on low earners.
- disproportionate response
- The police response was widely criticized as disproportionate.
- disproportionately large
- The company's profits were disproportionately large compared to its size.
Synonyms and how they differ
- excessive
- Excessive means more than is acceptable and does not need a comparison, while disproportionate compares one thing with another.
- unbalanced
- Unbalanced is a plain word for lacking balance and is less formal than disproportionate.
- out of proportion
- Out of proportion is the everyday phrase for the same idea, used after a verb.
- unequal
- Unequal says things are not the same, but does not say the difference is unfair or excessive.
Opposites
Word family
- disproportionately adverb
- In a way that is out of proportion
- disproportion noun
- A lack of balance between things
- proportion noun
- A part considered in relation to the whole
- proportionate adjective
- In the right relationship in size or amount
- proportional adjective
- Corresponding in size or amount to something else
Commonly confused: disproportionate or disproportional? disproportionate or disapprove?
disproportionate vs disproportional
Disproportional is a less common variant meaning the same; disproportionate is usual for amounts and fairness.
disproportionate vs disapprove
Disapprove is a verb meaning to think something is wrong and has no connection with size or balance.
Practice
The fine was far too heavy for such a minor offense, so critics called it ____ to the offense.
Choose one answer.
Disproportionate to means far too big or severe compared with something. Proportionate would mean fair, which is the opposite, and equivalent and relative do not express excess.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “disproportionate”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.