notwithstanding

American  

[not-with-stan-ding, -with-] / ˌnɒt wɪðˈstæn dɪŋ, -wɪθ- /

preposition

1. in spite of; without being opposed or prevented by.

   Notwithstanding a brilliant defense, he was found guilty. She went to the game anyway, doctor's orders notwithstanding.

   Antonyms:

   on account of, because of

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conjunction

1. in spite of the fact that; although.

   It was the same material, notwithstanding the texture seemed different.

adverb

1. nevertheless; anyway; yet.

   We were invited notwithstanding.

notwithstanding British  

/ -wɪð-, ˌnɒtwɪθˈstændɪŋ /

preposition

1. (often immediately postpositive) in spite of; despite

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conjunction

1. despite the fact that; although

1. in spite of that; nevertheless

Related Words

Notwithstanding, despite, in spite of imply that something is true even though there are obstacles or opposing conditions. The three expressions may be used practically interchangeably. Notwithstanding suggests, however, a hindrance of some kind: Notwithstanding the long delay, I shall still go. Despite indicates that there is an active opposition: Despite procrastination and disorganization, they finished the project. In spite of implies meeting strong opposing forces or circumstances that must be taken into account: She succeeded in spite of many discouragements.

Etymology

Origin of notwithstanding

1350–1400; Middle English (preposition, adverb, and conjunction); see not, withstand, -ing ²

Explanation

Notwithstanding means "in spite of something." Your boasts about having memorized the entire textbook and bribing the teacher with apples notwithstanding, you still managed to fail the final exam with flying colors. You don't have to look too closely at the word to be able to break it into three parts: not- + withstand (to successfully oppose or resist) + the participial ending -ing. In the most literal sense, notwithstanding actually means to successfully oppose or resist. Top-of-the-line wet-traction tires notwithstanding, the car still got stuck in the mud. Notwithstanding works just as well in a more figurative context. His reputation for charm and tact notwithstanding, he offended everyone in the room.

Example Sentences

And that’s not a bad thing, notwithstanding the many skeptics who are questioning Cook’s achievements and the path he put Apple on.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

That’s not exactly a ringing endorsement, notwithstanding all those he’s managed to leverage through his wealth.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Iskander’s David is a young man whose youthful piety and heroism make him a sympathetic figure, notwithstanding the bag of cold cuts.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2026

“We expect growth to continue, notwithstanding moderating impact from GLP-1 sales in 2H FY26,” Jefferies says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

“I don’t make the laws, sir. Your outrage notwithstanding, you still need to prove the par­ents are deceased. The boy has to be declared a legal orphan.”

From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini