proportional representation

noun

: an electoral system in which the number of seats held by a political group or party in a legislative body is determined by the number of popular votes received

Examples of proportional representation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This figure not only reached but exceeded proportional representation with the U.S. population (50.4%). —Angelique Jackson, Variety, 11 Feb. 2025

The Greek system is built on proportional representation, with a three percent threshold for winning a seat and a bonus of 50 seats (out of 300) to the first party. —George Tsebelis, Foreign Affairs, 26 Aug. 2015

Broadly speaking, people of color as well as women in lead streaming film roles exceeded proportional representation. —Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025

Whereas most political science books list Greece as having a form of proportional representation, in reality, the large bonus turns it into a plurality electoral system. —George Tsebelis, Foreign Affairs, 26 Aug. 2015

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for proportional representation

• deinstitutionalization
• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration