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

When the police visited Ashley Warren's home in Jaywick, Essex, he told them his XL bully dogs were misunderstood, even suggesting they were less vicious than a poodle.

From BBC

Pat, 64, says the village has been left to "disintegrate" and believes the role of the EU was misunderstood.

From BBC

While these techniques look convincing on screen, dermatologists say many of them are misunderstood, overhyped and at best, temporary.

From BBC

She later deleted the post, saying it was "overly emotional" and misunderstood.

From Barron's

Quite possibly the world’s most misunderstood song, “Born In The USA” is indeed an anthem, but it is also — in the right context — 100% a protest number.

From Salon