desproporcionado
/despɾopoɾθjoˈnado/
The English word "disproportionate" is translated into Spanish as desproporcionado.
The adjective is used to describe something that is not proportionate.
Meaning: not proportionate (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word contains the prefix des-, which functions as a negation similar to the English prefixes "dis-" or "un-".
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, changing the final -o to -a for feminine nouns. Use desproporcionada for feminine singular nouns, desproporcionados for masculine plural nouns and desproporcionadas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/despɾopoɾθjoˈnado/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, describing someone's reaction as desproporcionada is a common way to imply they are being 'melodramatic' or 'over the top'.
- In legal Spanish, desproporcionado is a key term used in the 'principle of proportionality', which prevents the state from using excessive force relative to a crime.
- Spanish speakers may use desmedido as a synonym for desproporcionado when describing emotions, such as a 'disproportionate' love or ambition.
Examples in context
- El aumento de precios de viviendas en esta ciudad es desproporcionado.The increase in housing prices in this city is disproportionate.
- La carga de trabajo en este departamento es desproporcionada.The workload in this department is disproportionate.
- El reparto de tareas en este grupo de trabajo está desbalanceado.The distribution of tasks in this workgroup is unbalanced.
- La cantidad de comida que sirven en este restaurante es completamente desbalanceada.The amount of food they serve in this restaurant is completely unbalanced.
- El precio de los boletos está fuera de proporción para el espectáculo que ofrecen.The ticket prices are out of proportion to the show they offer.
- La multa por estacionar mal es completamente fuera de proporción.The fine for parking incorrectly is completely out of proportion.
- El gasto de energía es desproporcionado.The energy expenditure is disproportionate.
- Recibió un castigo desproporcionado por su error.He received a disproportionate punishment for his error.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are discussing a business contract.
- ElenaMira este párrafo sobre las multas.Look at this paragraph about the fines.
- DanielTienes razón, el monto es desproporcionado.You're right, the amount is disproportionate.
- ElenaDaniel, debemos pedir un cambio ahora.Daniel, we must ask for a change now.
- DanielEstoy de acuerdo, Elena.I agree, Elena.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “disproportionate” translations and entries desproporcionado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
