disproportion

American  

[dis-pruh-pawr-shuhn, -pohr-] / ˌdɪs prəˈpɔr ʃən, -ˈpoʊr- /

noun

1. lack of proportion; lack of proper relationship in size, number, etc..

   architectural disproportions.

2. something out of proportion.

   the disproportions of an awkward body.

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verb (used with object)

1. to make disproportionate.

disproportion British  

/ ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːʃən /

noun

1. lack of proportion or equality

2. an instance of disparity or inequality

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verb

1. (tr) to cause to become exaggerated or unequal

Other Word Forms

• disproportionable
  adjective
• disproportionableness
  noun
• disproportionably
  adverb
• disproportional
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of disproportion

1545–55; dis- ¹ + proportion; compare Middle French disproportion

Explanation

If you don’t think you got a fair share of cake at a birthday party, there might have been a disproportion in the way the cake was served. A disproportion is a lack of balance or equality. Disproportion contains the prefix dis- which means “not” or “away from,” and the noun proportion which means “a proper, equal share.” Therefore, disproportion refers to an unequal and improper share. This noun is usually used in a negative context to point out something that is imbalanced or unfair, such as a disproportion of funds, food, or freedoms. Disproportion is also used in reference to the body; if your feet seem too big, they are in disproportion to your body.

Example Sentences

See Expectation, Order, mathematical, Orders of reality, two Disproportion between an invention and its consequences, 182 Dissociation as a cosmic principle opposed to association, 260 of tendencies, 54, 89, 135, 254, 255, 257, 258.

From Creative Evolution by Mitchell, Arthur

Disproportion between the size of head and body.

From The Glands Regulating Personality by Berman, Louis, M.D.

Disproportion of parts is the element of hugeness—proportion, of grandeur.

From Modern Painters Volume II (of V) by Ruskin, John

The old headings under which the Port-Royalist editors grouped the "Thoughts" recall the titles of Montaigne's "Essays"—"Of the Disproportion of Man," and the like.

From Miscellaneous Studies; a series of essays by Pater, Walter

Disproportion, dis-pro-pōr′shun, n. want of proportion, symmetry, or suitableness of parts: inequality.—v.t. to make unsuitable in form or size, &c.—n.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various