disproportionate

adjective

Definition of disproportionatenext
as in unequal
having or showing a difference that is not fair, reasonable, or expected; too large or too small in relation to something He believes that middle-class people bear a disproportionate share of the tax burden. A disproportionate number of the students are poor.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of disproportionate The Middle East produces a disproportionate share of the oil used to refine diesel, leading its price to rise faster than gasoline since the conflict began in February. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026 Because the fees are calculated according to weight, glass is facing disproportionate costs compared to cardboard and plastic. — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 21 Sep. 2026 What is happening in Gaza is a catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate. — CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026 What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic, unjustifiable, and disproportionate. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disproportionate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disproportionate
  1. unequal
  2. diverse
  3. distinctive
  4. distinct
  5. mixed
  6. several
Adjective
  • While the same anthropologists also emphasize that some hunter-gatherers are very unequal and that equality takes deliberate effort, the prevailing impression is that equality characterizes hunter-gatherers, past and present.
    — Christopher von Rueden, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Jay Caspian Kang argues that personalizing the problem of an unequal school system is the wrong approach.
    — Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of unequal
Adjective
  • The move showcases a diverse cast of characters, showing that anyone, both old and young, model or otherwise, can wear Miu Miu.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Coleman says university campuses have proven especially receptive to the kiosk and provide access to a diverse group of people.
    — Anna Zarra Aldrich, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of diverse
Adjective
  • Resnikoff fully inhabits the role of Jaku, giving him a distinctive and consistent voice, posture and temperament.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Los Feliz’s Shakespeare Bridge, a 262-foot span with Gothic-style arches and eight distinctive turrets, is approaching its 100th anniversary.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of distinctive
Adjective
  • For dinner, there are five solid options, each with its own distinct menu and mood.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The home button has its own distinct metal surface, and other buttons on the remote are indented or distinctly shaped.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of distinct
Adjective
  • Scandium’s role in aerospace and advanced technology Rare earth separation involves converting mixed material into individual oxides used across advanced manufacturing and other strategic industries.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The measure has drawn mixed reactions, with supporters arguing that early intervention could reduce per-student costs over time and opponents saying property owners already face rising costs and the district should use existing resources.
    — Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of mixed
Adjective
  • In several messages quoted in the ruling, Seaver allegedly threatened Nozell and other people connected to Parton’s estate.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh shared several sobering injury updates Monday in the wake of Sunday’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
    — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of several

Browse Nearby Words

disproportion
disproportionate
disprovable
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Cite this Entry

“Disproportionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disproportionate. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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