disproportionate

adjective

dis·​pro·​por·​tion·​ate ˌdis-prə-ˈpȯr-sh(ə-)nət 

: being out of proportion

a disproportionate share

disproportionately adverb

Examples of disproportionate in a Sentence

He believes that middle-class people bear a disproportionate share of the tax burden.

A disproportionate number of the students are poor.

Recent Examples on the Web

The vast majority of African nations are net food and fuel importers, meaning higher prices risk having a disproportionate impact on the continent. —Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 12 Mar. 2026

This is especially the case with online degrees that use a disproportionate number of adjunct professors who are paid a flat fee per class. —James Cramer, Baltimore Sun, 11 Mar. 2026

The stillness of Laurel Playground reflects the unease that has settled over this stretch of West End, which has endured a disproportionate share of violence. —Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Mar. 2026

In its lawsuit, Citrus Heights said city police had responded to a disproportionate number of calls to the property, and that there was widespread water intrusion. —Sacbee.com, 7 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin disprōportiōnātus, past participle of disprōportiōnāre "to make out of proportion," from Latin dis- dis- + Medieval Latin prōportiōnāre "to compose according to proportions" — more at proportion entry 2

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for disproportionate

• extortionate
• proportionate

Kids Definition

disproportionate

adjective

dis·​pro·​por·​tion·​ate ˌdis-prə-ˈpōr-sh(ə-)nət 

-ˈpȯr-

: being out of proportion

disproportionately adverb