disproportion

[ dis-pruh-pawr-shuhn, -pohr- ]

noun

1. lack of proportion; lack of proper relationship in size, number, etc.:

   architectural disproportions.

2. something out of proportion:

   the disproportions of an awkward body.

verb (used with object)

1. to make disproportionate.

disproportion

/ ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːʃən /

noun

1. lack of proportion or equality
2. an instance of disparity or inequality

verb

1. tr to cause to become exaggerated or unequal

Derived Forms

• ˌdisproˈportionableness, noun
• ˌdisproˈportionably, adverb
• ˌdisproˈportionable, adjective
• ˌdisproˈportional, adjective

Other Words From

• dispro·portion·a·ble adjective
• dispro·portion·a·ble·ness noun
• dispro·portion·a·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of disproportion¹

1545–55; dis- ¹ + proportion; compare Middle French disproportion

Example Sentences

In light of the disproportion, one can’t help but draw the conclusion that pundits and voters still understand playing gay as one mark in the column for “outstanding performance.”

From Los Angeles Times

Withholding funding for the “alleged actions of a few individuals,” he said, was a “matter of extraordinary disproportion.”

From New York Times

In recent years, however, the disproportions have grown even more extreme.

From Salon

The Congressional Budget Office and National Academy of Sciences, to name two sources that painstakingly documented the disproportion.

From Los Angeles Times

This top-heavy treatment of the “Messiah” isn’t uncommon — that centerpiece “Hallelujah” can justify just about any level of choral disproportion.

From Washington Post