inversely proportional

adjective

: related by inverse variation compare directly proportional

Examples of inversely proportional in a Sentence

The study indicates that the unemployment rate and inflation are inversely proportional.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There’s a running theory on Reddit that the length of Nicolas Cage’s hair in a movie is inversely proportional to the quality of the film. Emily Heller, Vulture, 12 July 2024 Your enjoyment of travel is inversely proportional to the size of your luggage. Brendan Leonard, Outside Online, 21 Oct. 2024 Moreover, this universe features a refractive index — a measurement of how light rays bend — that is inversely proportional to the temperature. Quanta Magazine, 30 July 2024 Each electron wave has a momentum that is inversely proportional to its wavelength and a kinetic energy proportional to the square of its momentum. Douglas Natelson, Scientific American, 19 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inversely proportional 

Word History

First Known Use

1723, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inversely proportional was in 1723

Dictionary Entries Near inversely proportional

Cite this Entry

“Inversely proportional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inversely%20proportional. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

inversely proportional

adjective
: related by inverse variation compare directly proportional
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!