proportionality
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of proportionality
First recorded in 1425–75 in a different sense; proportional ( def. ) + -ity ( def. )
Vocabulary lists containing proportionality
Ratios and Proportional Relationships
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Geometry - High School
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Geometry (Base List)
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Each and every attack must comply with international humanitarian law fundamental principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions to protect civilians," he said.
From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026
A second principle that limits when deadly force can legally be used is proportionality: Shooting someone is only justified when it is a proportional response to the perceived threat.
From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026
The group acknowledged the wider pressure on the Met to make vetting processes more transparent but said it was concerned about proportionality in how the policy is applied.
From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026
“International humanitarian law clearly spells out that any attack must comply with the fundamental principles of distinction, necessity and proportionality and for precautions to be taken to protect civilians,” Türk said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025
The problem here is a lack of balance, of proportionality.
From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
