Word
proportionality
Phoneticspro·por·tion·al·i·ty, stress on the fourth syllable
US/pɹəˌpɔɹʃəˈnæɫɪti/
UK/pɹəpˌɔːʃənˈælɪti/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the idea that two things should match each other in size or amount. You use it when a punishment, rule, or cost should be fair for the situation.
n. a relationship in which two amounts change together in a balanced way; by extension, the principle that an action or punishment should match the size or seriousness of the situation it responds to.
Examples
“The punishment lacks proportionality to the small mistake.”
“The court checks the proportionality of the fine to make sure it fits the offence.”
“Debates about proportionality in sentencing ask whether long prison terms for minor theft truly match the harm done to society.”
Examples
simple
“The punishment lacks proportionality to the small mistake.”
contextual
“The court checks the proportionality of the fine to make sure it fits the offence.”
complex
“Debates about proportionality in sentencing ask whether long prison terms for minor theft truly match the harm done to society.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “proportionality” in context.
Verb
01. achieve proportionality
“The new voting system was designed to achieve proportionality.”
verb + noun
02. assess proportionality
“Judges must assess proportionality before approving punitive damages.”
verb + noun
03. ensure proportionality
“New guidelines aim to ensure proportionality in criminal sentencing.”
verb + noun
04. maintain proportionality
“The reform seeks to maintain proportionality between tax and income.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. direct proportionality
“The graph shows direct proportionality between hours worked and pay earned.”
adj + noun
06. inverse proportionality
“There is an inverse proportionality between speed and travel time.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. degree of proportionality
“The report examined the degree of proportionality in the electoral system.”
noun + prep + noun
08. lack of proportionality
“Critics pointed to a lack of proportionality in the new fines.”
noun + prep + noun
09. assess the proportionality of punishment
“The judge must assess the proportionality of punishment in each case.”
10. ensure proportionality in sentencing
“Reforms were introduced to ensure proportionality in sentencing.”
11. lack of proportionality in fines
“Drivers complained about the lack of proportionality in fines.”
12. maintain direct proportionality between variables
“The formula maintains direct proportionality between variables.”
Real-World Examples
“There is a question of proportionality, in whether it makes sense to equate crimes driven by political motivations as opposed to those motivated by greed and profit, said Hanni Fakhoury, a lawyer with the Electronic Frontier Foundation.” Etymology
From proportional + -ity, from Latin proportionalitas.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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