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

But the disproportion that Sordi brings to the part is essential to Risi’s argument, which is precisely that Silvio doesn’t fit the scale of his times.

From New York Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

There’s so much disproportion and inequality.

From Los Angeles Times