# disproportionately

**Pronunciation:** /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːrʃənətli/ · dis-pruh-POR-shuh-nit-lee

**CEFR level:** B2

**Part of speech:** adverb

## Meaning

To an extent that is too large or too small in comparison to something else, or not in correct relation to it.

## Examples

- The disease disproportionately affects older adults, with younger individuals rarely showing severe symptoms.
- Despite making up a smaller percentage of the population, women are disproportionately represented in low-wage jobs.
- The company's profits rose disproportionately to the effort put in by its employees.

## Synonyms

- unevenly — Suggests an irregular or unbalanced distribution.
- excessively — Implies a quantity or degree that is too much.
- immoderately — Points to a lack of restraint or balance, often in behavior or amount.
- inordinately — Highlights an extreme or unreasonable degree, often beyond proper limits.

## Antonyms

- proportionately — In a way that is in correct relation or balance.
- evenly — In a balanced or equal manner.

## Collocations

- disproportionately affected — Low-income communities are often disproportionately affected by environmental pollution.
- disproportionately high — The cost of living in the city is disproportionately high compared to average wages.
- disproportionately low — Women are disproportionately low in leadership roles in many industries.

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