Word
disproportionately
Phoneticsdis·pro·por·tion·ate·ly, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌdɪspɹəˈpɔɹʃənətɫi/
UK/dˌɪspɹəpˈɔːʃənətli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that is too large or too small compared to something else. It describes a situation where things are not equal or fair.
adv. to an extent that is out of proportion or unequal in relation to something else. Often describes statistical or social imbalances.
Examples
“The new tax affects poor families disproportionately.”
“Research shows that the recent economic downturn has disproportionately impacted small businesses compared to large corporations.”
“While the policy was intended to be universal, its implementation disproportionately benefited urban centers, leaving rural communities with significantly fewer resources and infrastructure improvements.”
Examples
simple
“The new tax affects poor families disproportionately.”
contextual
“Research shows that the recent economic downturn has disproportionately impacted small businesses compared to large corporations.”
complex
“While the policy was intended to be universal, its implementation disproportionately benefited urban centers, leaving rural communities with significantly fewer resources and infrastructure improvements.”
Usage
Typically modifies verbs or adjectives; often placed at the end of a clause or before the adjective it modifies.
Real-World Examples
“Disability advocacy groups have been extremely critical of the government’s amendments to the NDIS, and have warned caring responsibilities will be shifted from the scheme to families, affecting women disproportionately.” “But experts say the industry is disproportionately vulnerable to the impact of AI.” Etymology
From disproportionate + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/disproportionately