incommensurate

[in-kuh-men-ser-it, -sher-]

adjective

1. not commensurate; disproportionate; inadequate.

   Our income is incommensurate to our wants.

2. incommensurable.

incommensurate

/ ˌɪnkəˈmɛnʃərɪt /

adjective

1. not commensurate; disproportionate

2. incommensurable

Other Word Forms

• incommensurately adverb
• incommensurateness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of incommensurate¹

First recorded in 1640–50; in- ³ + commensurate

Example Sentences

The two surfaces should be incommensurate, which means the potential 'hills' in the molecular structure of one surface should not fit to the potential 'wells' of the other surface.

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Despite the complexity of these latter ideas, her use of diagrams and figures helps to reinforce their approachability—although in some cases their incommensurate simplicity feels unsatisfying.

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The Chinese government took one of three seats on the subsidiary’s board, wielding a level of influence incommensurate with its nominal stake.

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Hirers across industries describe a recurring scenario: A candidate in their 20s or early 30s applies for a position and requests compensation and benefits incommensurate with experience.

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As long ago as 2011, the WHO’s report on the H1N1 influenza pandemic concluded that the agency’s budget is “wholly incommensurate” with its global responsibilities.

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