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.

—Publishers 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

Often, that happens because deductions or credits are misunderstood or missed entirely. —Forbes Money Team, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

Over time, that silence gave way to purpose, as Jordan began using her voice and talents to educate others about a disease that disproportionately affects Black women and is often misunderstood or overlooked. —Kansas City Star, 25 Jan. 2026

Since its introduction, the program has been frequently misunderstood as a single application rather than a collection of IRS policies designed to make tax debt resolution more accessible. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026

Sometimes these words are misunderstood or misused. —Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for misunderstood

• unlikelihood
• adulthood
• babyhood
• brotherhood
• cottonwood
• fatherhood
• firewood
• fuelwood
• hardihood
• ironwood
• leatherwood
• likelihood