proportional representation

NOUN

representational government

Synonyms

WEAK

Hare system PR cumulative system cumulative voting list system one man one vote

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Holyrood voting system is a mix of first-past-the-post and proportional representation - making it harder for a party to secure a majority than in a Westminster election, for instance.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

The old constituencies and regions are being replaced with 16 new constituencies that will each elect six members using a system of proportional representation.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

It had secured comfortably more than half of votes so far counted in the proportional representation vote, which determines a further 110 seats via party lists.

From Barron's • Mar. 7, 2026

They will elect members to the 275-seat House of Representatives, the lower house, with 165 via a direct vote and 110 through proportional representation.

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

“Stephen, I didn’t study how to save your ass in Waynesboro. I majored in political science. If your problem was to do with proportional representation in Switzerland, I might be able to help you.”

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson