Definition of misunderstood
1
: wrongly or imperfectly understood
a misunderstood question Mondegreens are misunderstood lyrics, and when we asked our readers for their favorites, not surprisingly the most familiar ones got multiple votes.— Dave Tianen
2
: not sympathetically appreciated
[Shorty] Rossi has become a name in the animal rescue community for his fierce advocacy for the interests of the pit bull, which he sees as a misunderstood breed. — Publisher's Weekly He speaks proudly and protectively of his two directing efforts as if they were beloved but misunderstood children, and he's touchingly eager to explain their unappreciated virtues.— Ron Rosenbaum
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for misunderstood
The first known use of misunderstood was in 1583
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