Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

inversely-proportional

Adjective

/ˈɪnvɜrslɪ ˌprɔːpərˈʃənl/

Definition

Describing a relationship in which one quantity increases while another quantity decreases, such that the product of the two quantities remains constant.

Examples

If the speed of a car increases, the time taken to reach a destination decreases; they are inversely proportional.
In physics, pressure and volume are often inversely proportional under ideal gas conditions.
The temperature of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume, assuming a constant mass and pressure.

Meaning

When two variables are inversely proportional, as one variable grows larger, the other grows smaller in a way that keeps their multiplication constant.