disproportionate

[dis-pruh-pawr-shuh-nit]

disproportionate Definition

  • 1out of proportion; too much or too little in relation to something else
  • 2not in correct relation or balance

Using disproportionate: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "disproportionate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The punishment was disproportionate to the crime.

  • Example

    The amount of work required is disproportionate to the time available.

  • Example

    The company's profits are disproportionate to its size.

disproportionate Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for disproportionate

Antonyms for disproportionate

Phrases with disproportionate

  • not in correct relation or balance with something else

    Example

    The number of staff is disproportionate to the amount of work that needs to be done.

  • a response that is too extreme or severe for the situation

    Example

    The country's military launched a disproportionate response to the minor border incident.

  • an effect that is too large or too small in relation to the cause

    Example

    The new policy had a disproportionate impact on low-income families.

Origins of disproportionate

from Latin 'dis-' meaning 'apart' + 'proportio' meaning 'proportion'

📌

Summary: disproportionate in Brief

The term 'disproportionate' [dis-pruh-pawr-shuh-nit] describes something that is out of proportion or not in correct relation or balance. It can refer to an excessive or insufficient amount of something, as in 'The punishment was disproportionate to the crime.' 'Disproportionate' can also be used in phrases like 'disproportionate response,' which means a response that is too extreme or severe for the situation.

How do native speakers use this expression?