misunderstood

American  

[mis-uhn-der-stood] / ˌmɪs ʌn dərˈstʊd /

adjective

1. improperly understood or interpreted.

2. not appreciated.

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misunderstood British  

/ ˌmɪsʌndəˈstʊd /

adjective

1. not properly or sympathetically understood

   a misunderstood work of art

   a misunderstood adolescent

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Other Word Forms

• half-misunderstood adjective
• unmisunderstood adjective

Etymology

Origin of misunderstood

First recorded in 1585–95; mis- ¹ + understood

Example Sentences

To Palantir’s old guard, the FDE remains as deeply misunderstood as ever, despite its newfound fame — a role that rivals are culturally appropriating while ignoring the often grueling engineering process it entails.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

I feel like they’re all so largely misunderstood, especially Lindsay Lohan.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

McArthur said the debate "shone a light" on the crucial and often misunderstood palliative care sector.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

Shelley’s story is so moving precisely because it’s tinged with firsthand knowledge of the despair that comes with being misunderstood and othered at no fault of one’s own.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2026

As Ophie arrived back in the empty kitchen, she started to think that perhaps she had misunderstood the intricacies of life for the hired help of Daffodil Manor.

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland