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adjective Uncommon

disproportionate

dihs-pruh-PAW-shuh-nuht

Disproportionate (adjective) means Too large or too small compared to what is normal, fair, or expected. Example: “The punishment seemed disproportionate to the crime.”

adjective
1
Too large or too small compared to what is normal, fair, or expected.
"The punishment seemed disproportionate to the crime."
"A disproportionate number of complaints came from just one region."

How to Use Disproportionate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishOut of balance in size, amount, or degree compared to what would be reasonable.

Common pairings
disproportionate impact disproportionately affected disproportionate response

Word Forms

more disproportionate comparative, disproportionated past tense, disproportionates singular, most disproportionate superlative

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The punishment seemed _____ to the crime.

Etymology

From dis- + proportionate, marking the opposite of being in proportion.

disproportional

Rhymes for disproportionate

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “disproportionate” mean?

The word “disproportionate” means too large or too small compared to what is normal, fair, or expected. In plain terms, out of balance in size, amount, or degree compared to what would be reasonable.

How do you pronounce “disproportionate”?

“Disproportionate” is pronounced dihs-pruh-PAW-shuh-nuht (/ˌdɪs.pɹəˈpɔɹ.ʃə.nət/ in IPA).

How do you use “disproportionate” in a sentence?

Here is “disproportionate” used in a sentence: “The punishment seemed disproportionate to the crime.”

What part of speech is “disproportionate”?

“Disproportionate” is an adjective.

Is “disproportionate” a common word?

“Disproportionate” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial