1. the quality or state of being proportional; the relationship between things that are in correct or balanced proportion
Usage: commonly used in mathematics, law, and policy contexts
2. in law and ethics, the principle that a response or punishment should be appropriate in degree to the offense or situation
Usage: formal; used in legal and philosophical discourse

Examples

• The proportionality of the ingredients in the recipe ensures the cake turns out well.
• The court ruled that the sentence lacked proportionality to the crime committed.
• In mathematics, proportionality describes the constant relationship between two variables.
• The proportionality of representation in government is a key democratic principle.
• Engineers must maintain proportionality in the design to ensure structural stability.
• The proportionality doctrine requires that security measures be justified by their necessity.