disproportion

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "disproportion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an imbalance in size, amount, or degree, such as the disproportion between the amount of work expected and the amount of time available. For example, "The disproportion of tasks to time available made it impossible to complete the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But, while the physical presentation was flawless, I felt a strange disproportion between the ceremonial grandeur of the occasion and the contentious politics of Thatcher herself.

The Guardian

The House has already approved such an amendment by 286-130; butoto be ratified it needs to pass the Senate by a two-thirds majority, and then to win the support of 38 state legislatures.The most striking thing about the debate was the disproportion between the problem and the proposed remedy.

The Economist

The figures bear out his horror: nearly one prisoner in four in America is locked up for a non-violent drug offence, and drug crimes now often receive harsher punishments than violent assaults, rapes or murders.Such disproportion rightly infuriates Mr Husak.

The Economist

Blacks and Latinos are jailed for drug offences in striking disproportion to their numbers: according to Human Rights Watch, black men are sent to prison on drug charges at 13 times the rate of white men.

The Economist

The diaspora, some 2m-3m mostly disenchanted Zimbabweans, is barred from voting.Another obstacle is the recent gerrymandering of constituencies, which gives rural areas, where Mr Mugabe is strongest, a large disproportion of seats in the 210-member parliament.

The Economist

He may also be vulnerable to the charge of disproportion: 30 of those killed on April 28th were said to be sheltering in a mosque, and most were armed only with machetes.The situation in the south is more a source of bewilderment than alarm to most Thais, but it has dented the prime minister's aura of invincibility.

The Economist

The brutal disproportion of power between the United States and its southern neighbours means that inter-American relations will never be tension-free.

The Economist

But is this disproportion really such a bad thing?... disproportionate coverage of Israel is, in many ways, the flip side and the natural outgrowth of the disproportionate support that Israel enjoys, especially in America.

The Economist

Black children are five times as likely as whites to be excluded from schools for difficult behaviour; other immigrant groups do not show the same disproportion.

The Economist

Rereading a famous passage in which the Ten Thousand first glimpse the sea, one is struck by the disproportion between its remembered impact and its brevity and indirect approach.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The disproportion of the number of physicians available between developing and developed countries is similarly wide.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disproportion", ensure you clearly specify the elements that are not in proper proportion to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "disproportion" when you simply mean "difference". "Disproportion" implies an inappropriate or undesirable imbalance, not just any difference.

Linguistic Context

The word "disproportion" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the state of being out of proportion or lacking suitable ratio. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples demonstrating its use in describing imbalances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Encyclopedias

26%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "disproportion" is a versatile noun used to describe an imbalance or lack of suitable ratio, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science, it maintains a neutral to formal tone. Remember to specify the elements being compared to ensure clarity. Alternatives include "imbalance", "inequality", and "disparity". Be mindful of its connotation, using it when an inappropriate imbalance is intended. The word appears frequently across a wide variety of sources, making it a common and easily understandable choice when discussing matters of balance and scale.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imbalance

This refers to a lack of balance or symmetry, often suggesting an undesirable state.

lack of proportion

This directly states the absence of a correct or pleasing ratio.

inequality

This indicates a difference in size, degree, circumstances, etc., between two or more things.

disparity

This emphasizes a noticeable and often unfair difference.

improper ratio

This indicates a ratio that is not correct, suitable, or well-balanced.

asymmetry

This highlights a lack of symmetry or equality between two or more things.

mismatch

This suggests an unsuitable pairing or combination due to differences.

uneven distribution

This suggests that items or qualities are not spread out equally.

skewness

This implies a deviation from a symmetrical or balanced distribution.

lack of equilibrium

This points to the absence of a state of balance or stability.

FAQs

How can I use "disproportion" in a sentence?

You can use "disproportion" to describe an imbalance or lack of proper ratio between two or more things. For example, "There is a clear "disproportion" between effort and reward."

What is the difference between "disproportion" and "inequality"?

"Disproportion" typically refers to an imbalance in size, amount, or degree, whereas "inequality" often refers to unfair differences in status, rights, or opportunities. They can be synonyms, but the connotations differ.

Are "imbalance" and "disproportion" interchangeable?

While both terms suggest a lack of balance, "disproportion" often implies that the imbalance is inappropriate or undesirable, whereas "imbalance" is more neutral.

What are some alternatives to using the word "disproportion"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "imbalance", "disparity", or "inequality".