disproportionate

[US]/ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːʃənət/
[UK]/ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːrʃənət/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

adj. not proportionate, not in proportion, not even

Example Sentences

The punishment was grossly disproportionate to the crime.

water disproportionates to oxygen and hydrogen.

to give a disproportionate amount of one's time to games

They suddenly found out that they had spend a disproportionate amount of their money on clothing.

We spend a disproportionate amount of our income on rent.

people on lower incomes spend a disproportionate amount of their income on fuel.

persistent offenders were given sentences that were disproportionate to the offences they had committed.

Real-world Examples

It means that very small changes can make a disproportionate impact.

Source: TED Talks (Video Edition) August 2019 Collection

That disproportionate impact extends beyond pollution.

Source: Vox opinion

To a degree that is wildly disproportionate to its economic importance.

Source: VOA Standard English_Europe

It depletes their energy, culminating in disproportionate levels of damaging sentiment.

Source: Past exam papers for the English CET-6 reading section.

And that's why regressive tax takes a disproportionate toll on people with lower incomes.

Source: Economic Crash Course

There's growing concern in the United States over the apparently disproportionate impact of the coronavirus on black Americans.

Source: BBC World Headlines

We also know this virus has taken a disproportionate toll on communities of color in this country.

Source: PBS Health Interview Series

Animal-welfare advocates lament the country's congressional system, which gives disproportionate clout to rural states.

Source: The Economist (Summary)

Britain has said it will retaliate to the measures France has outlined, calling the threat disappointing and disproportionate.

Source: BBC Listening Collection October 2021

The Minneapolis metro area relies heavily on book publishing, whereas Pittsburgh has a disproportionate number of museum workers.

Source: The Economist - International

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