a disproportionate quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a disproportionate quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an amount that is not in proportion to what is considered normal or expected. Example: "The study revealed that there was a disproportionate quantity of resources allocated to the project compared to its actual needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Although governments may try to cram public debt down the throats of local savers (by using, for example, their rising influence over banks to force them to hold a disproportionate quantity of government paper), they will eventually find themselves having to pay much higher interest rates as well.

The Guardian - Opinion

The elderly consume a disproportionate quantity of drugs, with those older than 65 taking, on average, two to six prescribed and one to three nonprescription drugs at any one time (Routledge et al. 2004).

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

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

Yes, blacks commit a disproportionate amount of the homicides in this country, and are disproportionate among the victims.

The New York Times

Moore found that research "consumed a disproportionate amount of energy".

Science Magazine

Lenders have a disproportionate amount of leverage in the relationship.

TechCrunch

The disproportionate quantity of dissolved ions in irrigation water changes the physical and chemical properties of soil for plants and agricultural works consequently tumbling the production efficiency.

Applied Water Science

Standing beneath the store cupboard's "great wall of soup" (all food banks get disproportionate quantities of tinned soup) Jean Burnside, chief executive of the Key Project in South Tyneside, told them: "In 2008, before the financial crisis we gave out 26 food packets, by 2013 this had increased to 339.

The Guardian

Mountain lions in the study area ingested disproportionate quantities of bone from very young prey.

Journal of Archaeological Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a disproportionate quantity", ensure the context clearly indicates what the quantity is disproportionate to. For example, "a disproportionate quantity of resources compared to the project's size" clarifies the point of reference.

Common error

Avoid using "a disproportionate quantity" without specifying what the quantity is disproportionate to. This can leave the reader confused about the intended meaning. Always provide a clear comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a disproportionate quantity" functions as a noun phrase, where "disproportionate" acts as an adjective modifying "quantity". It typically describes an amount that is out of balance or not in proper relation to something else. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples illustrating how the phrase is used to describe unbalanced portions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a disproportionate quantity" is a phrase used to describe an amount that is out of balance or not in proper relation to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase, primarily used in formal and scientific contexts to highlight imbalances or inequities. While grammatically correct, it is relatively rare. Ensure that the context clearly indicates what the quantity is disproportionate to for clarity. Alternatives like "an excessive amount" or "an unequal share" can be used depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a disproportionate amount

Uses "amount" instead of "quantity", which maintains a similar meaning and can be used interchangeably in many contexts.

an excessive amount

Emphasizes that the quantity is more than necessary or reasonable.

an unbalanced portion

Highlights the lack of equilibrium in the distribution.

an unequal share

Focuses on the unfairness of the distribution.

a lopsided amount

Suggests an imbalance that is noticeably skewed.

a skewed quantity

Indicates a deviation from the expected or normal distribution.

an inordinate volume

Implies the quantity is unusually large or excessive.

a surplus quantity

Highlights that quantity is beyond what is needed.

a glut of

Suggests an oversupply.

an overabundance of

Emphasizes there is far too much.

FAQs

What does "a disproportionate quantity" mean?

It refers to an amount of something that is not in proportion to something else, often implying an imbalance or unfair distribution.

What can I say instead of "a disproportionate quantity"?

You can use alternatives like "an excessive amount", "an unequal share", or "a lopsided amount" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "a disproportionate quantity" or "a disproportionate amount"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The choice depends on whether you are referring to something countable (quantity) or uncountable (amount), although this distinction is often blurred in common usage.

How do you use "a disproportionate quantity" in a sentence?

For example: "The study revealed that the project received "a disproportionate quantity" of resources compared to its actual needs".