Meaning & Definition of word "Disproportionate"
Disproportionate
/ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːrʃənət/
adjective:
- 1. not in proportion or balance; unequal in size, amount, or degree.
- Example: The team faced a disproportionate amount of criticism after the loss, despite their overall strong performance this season.
- 2. having a size, amount, or degree that is too large or too small in relation to something else.
- Example: The funding for the project was disproportionate to the benefits it was expected to bring.
- 3. showing or giving rise to an imbalance.
- Example: Her workload felt disproportionate compared to her coworkers, leading to feelings of frustration.
- 4. characterized by an excessive or inadequate ratio.
- Example: The report highlighted how the city's budget allocations were disproportionate to the needs of its residents.
Etymology
●Late Latin 'disproportionatus', from 'dis-' (not) + 'proportio' (proportion)
Common Phrases and Expressions
disproportionate response:
A reaction or retaliation that is much stronger than necessary.
disproportionate impact:
A significant effect that is not equally felt by all parties involved.
Related Words
proportion:
A part, share, or number considered in comparative relation to a whole.
proportional:
Corresponding in size or amount to something else.
Slang Meanings of disproportionate
Meaning: Off the charts
● Example Sentence: The excitement at the concert was off the charts, totally disproportionate to any other event.
Meaning: Blown out of proportion
● Example Sentence: Her reaction was blown out of proportion; it was completely disproportionate to the issue at hand.