incomprehension

noun

in·​com·​pre·​hen·​sion (ˌ)in-ˌkäm-pri-ˈhen(t)-shən 

: lack of comprehension or understanding

Synonyms of incomprehension

• misunderstanding

Examples of incomprehension in a Sentence

She gave me a look of complete incomprehension.

He viewed the situation with incomprehension.

Recent Examples on the Web

Indian multilingualism, no less than French or Italian homogeneity, is a ledger with its own column of costs—communal tensions, constant incomprehension—to be weighed against its undoubted benefits. — Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

There were arguments and moments of incomprehension, but also the pleasure of finishing each other’s sentences — and paragraphs, and chapters — with just the right words. — Scott Westerfeld, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026

Farrell, who also narrates in a soft voice, often wears a look of shy incomprehension, as if a beat behind in translating the world around him, a stranger in a strange land. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026

At first the central duo’s intergenerational incomprehension is played for laughs. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 13 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for incomprehension

• chemoprevention
• hyperextension
• misapprehension
• apprehension
• comprehension
• condescension
• hypertension
• hypotension
• reinvention
• reprehension
• resuspension
• attention

Kids Definition

incomprehension

noun

in·​com·​pre·​hen·​sion (ˌ)in-ˌkäm-pri-ˈhen-chən 

: lack of understanding