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Definition of disproportionate

Out of balance or not in proportion to something else.
"The punishment for the crime seemed disproportionate to the offense."

Detailed Meaning of Disproportionate

It can refer to a variety of different things, such as size, quantity, amount, or degree. For example, something that is disproportionately large or small in comparison to something else, something that is disproportionately high or low in comparison to a standard, or something that is disproportionately significant or insignificant when compared to other things. Disproportionate can also refer to a situation where the consequences of an action or decision are not in line with the severity of the issue at hand. This term can be used to describe something that is unjust, unfair or unjustified. In general, disproportionate suggests that something is not in its right or appropriate balance or scale.

Example Sentences for Disproportionate

1. The punishment seemed disproportionate to the offense.
2. The project's success was disproportionate to the effort.
3. The price increase felt disproportionate to the value added.
4. His anger appeared disproportionate to the situation.
5. The distribution of resources was disproportionate.
6. The impact of the decision was disproportionate.

Origin and Etymology of Disproportionate

The adjective 'disproportionate' is formed by adding the prefix 'dis-' to the word 'proportion.' 'Proportion' comes from the Latin word 'proportio,' which means 'comparative relation' or 'balance.' The prefix 'dis-' in English often conveys a sense of negation or reversal. Therefore, 'disproportionate' etymologically conveys the idea of being out of balance or not in proportion to something else. When something is described as 'disproportionate,' it implies that it does not conform to the expected or appropriate balance or relationship with another element. The etymology of 'disproportionate' highlights the concept of imbalance and underscores the idea that it doesn't align with what is considered proportionate or harmonious in comparison.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective disproportionate:

balanced

equal

unbalanced

proportionate

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Disproportionate

1. The company's profits were disproportionate to its size.
2. Her achievements were disproportionate for her age.
3. The benefits of the policy were disproportionate.
4. The reaction to the news seemed disproportionate.
5. The workload was disproportionate to the available time.
6. The consequences of the mistake were disproportionate.
7. The importance of the issue was disproportionate.
8. The attention given to the topic felt disproportionate.
9. The criticism he faced was disproportionate.
10. The size of the crowd was disproportionate to the venue.
11. The risk involved seemed disproportionate to the reward.
12. The number of questions asked was disproportionate.
13. The impact on the environment was disproportionate.
14. The cost of the repair appeared disproportionate.
15. The company's profits were disproportionately distributed among upper management.
16. The amount of time spent on the project was disproportionate to the results.
17. The impact of the storm was disproportionate to its category.
18. The benefits of the new policy were disproportionately felt by certain employees.
19. The number of resources allocated to the department was disproportionately low.
20. The price of the item seemed disproportionately high compared to its quality.
21. The amount of attention given to the issue was disproportionately low given its importance.
22. The size of the event venue was disproportionately large for the number of attendees.
23. The environmental impact of the project was disproportionately high compared to its economic benefits.
24. The level of noise pollution in the area was disproportionately high due to nearby construction.
25. The amount of criticism received by the artist seemed disproportionately harsh.