disproportion

[ dis-pruh-pawr-shuh n, -pohr- ]

/ ˌdɪs prəˈpɔr ʃən, -ˈpoʊr- /

SEE MORE 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.

Nearby words

Origin of disproportion

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

Related formsdis·pro·por·tion·a·ble, adjectivedis·pro·por·tion·a·ble·ness, noundis·pro·por·tion·a·bly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for disproportion

Comparisons are complicated, but the disproportion is overwhelming.
Accomplices to Murder|Harold Evans|April 5, 2009|DAILY BEAST
There is a repetition of the charge of disproportion in objects, brought against Raffaelle, to which we do not implicitly bow.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 58, Number 360, October 1845|Various
The disproportion between the number of males and females attending is notable.
Venereal Diseases in New Zealand (1922)|Committee Of The Board Of Health
Hence, to cultivate one to the neglect of the other is to disproportion him whom God created in His own image.
Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel|Frank G. Allen

When the insurrection spread over the entire Island the disproportion between the two races was removed.
Industrial Cuba|Robert P. Porter
Then, if you see that any part begins to shrink into disproportion, you can easily remedy it.
Wanderings in South America|Charles Waterton

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 Formsdisproportionable, adjectivedisproportionableness, noundisproportionably, adverbdisproportional, 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

Word Origin and History for disproportion