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.
Even more strikingly, as noted over the weekend by The Wall Street Journal‘s Natasha Khan, the surge in Magic cards is exactly inversely proportional to an equal plunge in doll sales. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 July 2026 The number of steps per unit of distance is inversely proportional to body length (smaller creatures must take many more steps to cover the same distance), while the work accomplished for each step is proportional to body mass. — Literary Hub, 22 June 2026 The total capital returned to shareholders as a % of the current market capitalization appears inversely proportional to growth prospects for re-investments. — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2026 So an axion would behave more like a wave (or wave packet) than a particle, and the size of the wave packets is inversely proportional to their mass. — ArsTechnica, 1 Jan. 2026 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

Rhymes for inversely proportional

See All Rhymes for inversely proportional

Browse Nearby Words

inversely
inversely proportional
inverse point
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inversely proportional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inversely%20proportional. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inversely proportional

adjective
: related by inverse variation compare directly proportional
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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