disproportionate amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disproportionate amount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity that is not in proportion to something else, often implying an imbalance or inequality. Example: "The study revealed that a disproportionate amount of resources were allocated to the project, leaving other areas underfunded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 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

Already, we spend a disproportionate amount on senior citizens.

The New York Times

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

In formal writing, consider stronger synonyms like "inordinate" or "undue" to add emphasis and precision.

Common error

A common mistake is failing to specify what the "disproportionate amount" is being compared to. Always clarify the basis of comparison to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "A disproportionate amount was spent", specify "A disproportionate amount was spent on marketing compared to research."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disproportionate amount" typically functions as a modifier describing a noun. It highlights that the quantity or share of something is not in proper relation to other elements, implying an imbalance or unfair distribution, as evidenced by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disproportionate amount" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe an unbalanced quantity or share. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts, especially in news and media. When using this phrase, clarify the reference point to avoid ambiguity. Consider synonyms like "unequal share" or "excessive portion" based on your specific need. Remember to provide context for what is being disproportionate to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Disproportionate share

Share changes the emphasis from absolute amount to relative distribution, keeping disproportion.

Inordinate amount of

Focuses on the excessiveness of the "amount" and maintains the core meaning.

Excessive quantity of

Highlights the surplus and unwanted nature of the "amount".

Unequal share

Focuses on the lack of equality in the distribution.

Unfair quantity

Emphasizes the injustice associated with the amount.

Excessive portion

Highlights the surplus or overabundance of the amount.

Undue proportion

Indicates that the amount is more than what is reasonable or appropriate.

Lopsided distribution

Focuses on the imbalance and asymmetry of the distribution.

Inordinate quantity

Emphasizes that the quantity is exceeding reasonable limits.

Unbalanced allocation

Highlights the lack of balance in the allocation of resources.

FAQs

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

You can use "disproportionate amount" to describe situations where something is not in proportion to something else. For example, "A "disproportionate amount" of funding was allocated to one project, leaving others underfunded."

What can I say instead of "disproportionate amount"?

You can use alternatives like "unequal share", "unfair quantity", or "excessive portion" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "disproportionate amount" or "disproportionate number"?

Both are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Disproportionate amount" is used for quantities of uncountable nouns (e.g., money, time), while "disproportionate number" is used for countable nouns (e.g., people, items).

What's the difference between "disproportionate amount" and "excessive amount"?

"Excessive amount" simply means too much. "Disproportionate amount" means an amount that is out of balance or not in proportion to something else.