disproportionate

Everyday

Too large or too small compared with something else; not in a fair or sensible proportion: «a disproportionate punishment». tree →

In the lessons

In maths: proportion and ratio — a disproportionate share is more (or less) than the fair share. In ethics and law: a punishment should fit the wrongdoing; a disproportionate one is unfair. In science and drawing: a figure with disproportionate parts (a head too big for the body). Phrases: «disproportionate to», «a disproportionate amount», «disproportionately large».

Examples

• Missing a whole term of football for being late once seemed a disproportionate punishment. tree →
• The giant had disproportionate hands, far too big for his body. tree →
• A disproportionate number of the sweets went to Sam. tree →
• The cost of the repair was disproportionate to the value of the old bike. tree →
• The drawing looks odd because the legs are disproportionate. tree →
• Small schools spend a disproportionate amount on heating. tree →

Note

Formal. Adverb: «disproportionately». Opposite: «proportionate». In maths problems: if a share is disproportionate, it does not match the ratio given — e.g. 3 children sharing equally should each get one-third.