adjective Uncommon

disproportionate

dihs-pruh-PAW-shuh-nuht

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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

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

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Third person singular: disproportionates
Past tense: disproportionated
Comparative: more disproportionate
Superlative: most disproportionate

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The punishment seemed _____ to the crime.

Etymology

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

Synonyms

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disproportional inordinate exorbitant

Antonyms

proportionate

Related words

excessive steep costly unreasonable outrageous proportional redundant undue

Rhymes for disproportionate

ate date rate mate abate slate plate state create update locate emirate

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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.

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