SINCE 1828
misunderstood
adjective
mis·un·der·stood
| \ (ˌ)mi-ˌsən-dər-ˈstu̇d
\
\
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
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for misunderstood
misunderstood
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of misunderstood
: thought of incorrectly : not understood
See the full definition for misunderstood in the English Language Learners Dictionary
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on misunderstood
What made you want to look up misunderstood? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Summer 2019 Words of the Day Quiz
-
- Which is a synonym of desideratum?
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Summer 2019 Words of the Day Quiz
The Word of the Day takes no vacation.
Take the quiz -
Obscure Shapes
Surprisingly specific words for shapes.
Take the quiz -
Name That Thing
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
Take the quiz -
Syn City
Build a city of skyscrapers—one synonym at a time.
Play the game
Share misunderstood
Resources for misunderstood