disproportion

[ dis-pruh-pawr-shuhn, -pohr- ]

See synonyms for disproportion on Thesaurus.com

noun

lack of proportion; lack of proper relationship in size, number, etc.: architectural disproportions.
something out of proportion: the disproportions of an awkward body.

verb (used with object)

to make disproportionate.

Origin of disproportion

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

Other words from disproportion

dis·pro·por·tion·a·ble, adjective
dis·pro·por·tion·a·ble·ness, noun
dis·pro·por·tion·a·bly, adverb

Words Nearby disproportion

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use disproportion in a sentence

The contrast reflects a broader disproportion in the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
Israel’s Iron Dome: The Ultimate Missile Destroyer | Dan Ephron | November 18, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
Comparisons are complicated, but the disproportion is overwhelming.
Accomplices to Murder | Harold Evans | April 5, 2009 | THE DAILY BEAST
Also, that which especially exasperates the man of Taste in the sight of Vice is its deformity and disproportion.
Charles Baudelaire, His Life | Thophile Gautier
The greater the disproportion between the unit who commands and the numbers who obey, the greater the chance of mutiny.
Newton Forster | Captain Frederick Marryat
The disproportion was certainly not due to any discrimination by the officers or crew in assisting the passengers to the boats.
Loss of the Steamship 'Titanic' | British Government

The same disproportion of number and value may be noticed on many occasions between the sin-offering and the peace offering.
Separation and Service | James Hudson Taylor
Not that there is in that course—in its achievements—any disproportion with the previous promise.
The Life of Nelson, Vol. I (of 2) | A. T. (Alfred Thayer) Mahan

British Dictionary definitions for disproportion

disproportion

/ (ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːʃən) /

noun

lack of proportion or equality
an instance of disparity or inequality

verb

(tr) to cause to become exaggerated or unequal

Derived forms of disproportion

disproportionable, adjective
disproportionableness, noun
disproportionably, adverb
disproportional, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Browse