misunderstood

adjective

mis·​un·​der·​stood (ˌ)mi-ˌsən-dər-ˈstu̇d 

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

Examples of misunderstood in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

My career experience is that critically important instructions, tips and education are often misunderstood or not even seen. —Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 9 July 2024

Homelessness is one of America’s most complex and misunderstood social issues. —Andrae Bailey, Orlando Sentinel, 2 July 2024

Minimalist design is often misunderstood as cold, boring, or impersonal, but in fact, this streamlined aesthetic is simply efficient and purposeful. —Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2024

This is one of the most misunderstood myths about credit scoring. —Michelle Singletary, Washington Post, 17 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1