onevenredig

Onevenredig is a Dutch adjective used to describe something that is not in proportion or not proportional to another factor, such as a goal, means, or consequence. It implies that the relationship between two elements is imbalanced or inappropriate relative to the context. The term comes from evenredig, meaning proportional, with the prefix one-, which negates the idea of proportionality. The related noun form is onevenredigheid.

In everyday language, onevenredig is used to critique distributions, costs, penalties, or administrative measures when the burden or effect is excessive compared with the intended aim or the resources available. For example, one might speak of onevenredig hoge lasten for a small business, or onevenredig ernstige sanctions for a minor infraction. The word often carries a normative sense, signaling that a situation is unfair, inefficient, or inappropriate.

In legal and policy contexts, onevenredig is closely tied to the proportionality principle (evenredigheidsbeginsel or proportionaliteitsbeginsel). A measure may be challenged as onevenredig if the restrictiveness or harm it imposes outweighs the legitimate objective, or if a less burdensome alternative exists. The term is frequently paired with synonyms such as disproportioneel or onredelijk in formal or persuasive writing.

See also: proportionaliteit, evenredigheid, evenredig, disproportioneel, onevenredigheid.