disproportionate rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disproportionate rate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something occurs at an uneven or unequal frequency compared to a standard or expected level. Example: "The study revealed a disproportionate rate of unemployment among minority groups in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Young black men are excluded from school at a disproportionate rate.

The Guardian

Black men and women are imprisoned and committed to mental institutions at a disproportionate rate.

The Guardian

Immigrants, particularly but not solely in the technology industry, have started companies at a disproportionate rate.

The New Yorker

And then there's fear of H.I.V. infection, which plagues black neighborhoods at a disproportionate rate.

The New York Times

As long as Shalit was being held, the exchange of the dead would also continue at the same disproportionate rate.

The New Yorker

One factor in this disproportionate rate of accidents, among many others, might be the weight of men's shoes.

The New York Times - Science

Members of our community have had a war declared on their rights to use a restroom, and we face homelessness at a disproportionate rate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Over the last 10 months people have developed and used hashtag after hashtag on Twitter as the country noticed black and Latino people of all ages being killed by law enforcement at disproportionate rates compared to white people and while, disproportionately unarmed.

The Guardian - Opinion

This sector disproportionately targets minorities and the poor, and has disproportionate rates of dropouts and fraud -- leaving vulnerable young people with debts and nothing to show for them.

Huffington Post

In the meantime the disproportionate rates of offending and imprisonment in the NT continue.

The Guardian

LGBT people, especially trans folks, are targeted at disproportionate rates simply for speaking about their experiences.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "disproportionate rate", ensure you clearly specify the group or standard to which the comparison is being made. For example, instead of saying 'There's a disproportionate rate of something', specify 'There's a disproportionate rate of X among Y compared to Z'.

Common error

A common mistake is using "disproportionate rate" without clearly defining what the rate is being compared to. Always provide a specific point of reference to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of a vague statement, provide specific context like 'The infection rate is disproportionate among unvaccinated individuals compared to vaccinated ones'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disproportionate rate" functions as an adjective-noun combination that quantifies something occurring more or less frequently than expected relative to a specific group or benchmark. As confirmed by Ludwig, it accurately describes an imbalance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "disproportionate rate" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that signifies an uneven or unequal frequency compared to an expected level. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and usability. It's frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, as shown by Ludwig's examples, and serves to highlight inequalities or imbalances. When using the phrase, it's crucial to specify the groups or standards being compared to avoid vagueness. While not inherently negative, the phrase often describes imbalances needing investigation. Related phrases include "unequal frequency" and "imbalanced ratio", offering alternative ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unequal frequency

Focuses on the uneven occurrence of something.

imbalanced ratio

Highlights the lack of balance in a comparison.

skewed distribution

Emphasizes the irregularity in how something is spread.

uneven distribution

Highlights the irregularity in how something is spread.

lopsided proportion

Indicates an asymmetrical or tilted representation.

unbalanced incidence

Refers to an unequal occurrence of events or cases.

disparate frequency

Emphasizes the distinct differences in occurrence.

unequal incidence

Focuses on the uneven occurrence of events or cases.

disproportionate amount

Highlights that the amount of something is not aligned with what is expected.

disproportionate number

Emphasizes that the number of something is not aligned with what is expected.

FAQs

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

You can use "disproportionate rate" to describe situations where something occurs at an unequal frequency compared to a standard or expected level. For example: "The study revealed a "disproportionate rate" of unemployment among minority groups in the region."

What's the difference between "disproportionate rate" and "unequal rate"?

"Disproportionate rate" implies a lack of expected proportion, while "unequal rate" simply means not equal. While similar, "disproportionate rate" often carries a stronger connotation of unfairness or systemic imbalance. You can use alternatives like "unequal rate" or "imbalanced rate" depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "disproportionate rate"?

You can use alternatives like "unequal frequency", "imbalanced ratio", or "skewed distribution" depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to use the term "disproportionate rate"?

While "disproportionate rate" often describes negative or unfair imbalances, it isn't inherently negative. It simply indicates an unequal occurrence compared to a standard. For example, you could say 'Immigrants start companies at a "disproportionate rate",' which isn't necessarily negative.