a disproportionate amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a disproportionate amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an unequal or imbalanced quantity of something in relation to a whole or a comparison. Example: "The study revealed that a disproportionate amount of resources was allocated to the urban areas, leaving rural communities underserved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For a team that was earmarked for extinction a year ago, the Montreal Expos consume a disproportionate amount of Major League Baseball's attention.

The New York Times - Sports

They get a disproportionate amount of attention.

The Guardian

Oxford has inspired a disproportionate amount of children's literature.

The New Yorker

Yet some are expending a disproportionate amount of blood.

The Economist

But unfortunately, false rape allegations get a disproportionate amount of press and media attention.

The Guardian - Opinion

Often in these dramas there's a disproportionate amount of RP [received pronunciation] speakers.

The Guardian

The sex lives of the great composers seem to command a disproportionate amount of interest.

The Guardian - Music

It also gives a disproportionate amount of power to people like Sage.

The New Yorker

Shoplifting by professional gangs represents a minority of offenders, but a disproportionate amount of financial damage.

The New York Times

And people are saying a disproportionate amount of that share is coming out of AT&T.

The New York Times

So a disproportionate amount of tax income spent on welfare is going to minorities.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a disproportionate amount of", ensure the context clearly establishes what the amount is being compared to. This provides clarity and strengthens the argument being made.

Common error

Avoid using "a disproportionate amount of" without clearly defining what the 'proportion' is relative to. Vague comparisons weaken the statement and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a disproportionate amount of" functions as a determiner modifying a noun. It specifies that the noun it modifies is present in an unequal or imbalanced quantity. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

18%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a disproportionate amount of" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an unequal distribution or allocation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various domains, particularly in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by defining the basis for comparison to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "an imbalanced quantity of" or "an excessive amount of" can be used to add variety to your writing. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "a disproportionate amount of" to highlight imbalances and emphasize critical points in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an imbalanced quantity of

Replaces "disproportionate" with "imbalanced", highlighting the lack of equilibrium in quantity.

an undue quantity of

Substitutes "disproportionate" with "undue", suggesting that the amount is excessive or inappropriate.

an excessive amount of

Replaces "disproportionate" with "excessive", emphasizing that the amount is more than necessary or normal.

a lopsided share of

Uses "lopsided share" to convey an unequal or skewed distribution.

a skewed distribution of

Emphasizes the distorted nature of the distribution, highlighting that it is not balanced or fair.

an inordinate quantity of

Uses "inordinate" to indicate that the amount is beyond what is reasonable or acceptable.

a surplus of

Highlights an overabundance or excess of something.

a glut of

Implies an excessive supply or oversupply of something.

an overabundance of

Replaces the core phrase to denote a state of having more than is needed or desirable.

an outsized portion of

Conveys the idea that one part is significantly larger than others.

FAQs

How can I use "a disproportionate amount of" in a sentence?

Use "a disproportionate amount of" to indicate that a quantity or share of something is unfairly or excessively large compared to what is expected or fair. For example, "A disproportionate amount of the budget was spent on marketing."

What are some alternatives to "a disproportionate amount of"?

You can use alternatives like "an imbalanced quantity of", "an excessive amount of", or "an undue quantity of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "disproportionate" or "unequal" amount?

"Disproportionate" implies a lack of fair or expected proportion, while "unequal" simply means not equal. "Disproportionate" often carries a stronger connotation of injustice or imbalance than "unequal".

What's the difference between "a disproportionate amount of" and "a significant amount of"?

"A significant amount of" simply indicates that the quantity is noteworthy or considerable. "A disproportionate amount of", however, suggests that the quantity is not only large but also unfairly or inappropriately distributed.