# disproportionate

/ˌdɪspɹəˈpɔɹʃənɪt/ (US) · /dˌɪspɹəpˈɔːʃənət/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/disproportionate
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

too large or too small when you compare it to something else. It describes a situation where things are not in balance.

For teachers: out of proportion; of an amount or size that is too large or too small in relation to something else. Often used to describe social or economic imbalances.

## Examples

- The punishment was disproportionate to the crime.
- A disproportionate amount of the city's budget is spent on road repairs compared to public education.
- The study revealed that low-income families spend a disproportionate share of their earnings on basic utilities, leaving little room for savings or emergency expenses.

## Pitfalls

- Not "a disproportionate amount from the total" but "a disproportionate amount of the total" — When describing a part of a whole, use 'of'; when comparing two different things, use 'to'.

## Usage notes

- Commonly followed by the preposition 'to'. Often used in formal or academic contexts to discuss statistics and social justice.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.