disproportion

/ˌˈdɪsprəˌpɔrʃən/

Other forms: disproportions

If you don’t think you got a fair share of cake at a birthday party, there might have been a disproportion in the way the cake was served. A disproportion is a lack of balance or equality.

Disproportion contains the prefix dis- which means “not” or “away from,” and the noun proportion which means “a proper, equal share.” Therefore, disproportion refers to an unequal and improper share. This noun is usually used in a negative context to point out something that is imbalanced or unfair, such as a disproportion of funds, food, or freedoms. Disproportion is also used in reference to the body; if your feet seem too big, they are in disproportion to your body.

Definitions of disproportion

1. noun

   lack of proportion; imbalance among the parts of something
   antonyms:

   proportion

   balance among the parts of something

   type of:

   disparity

   inequality or difference in some respect