incomprehension

[ in-kom-pri-hen-shuhn, in-kom- ]

noun

1. lack of comprehension or understanding:

   The audience listened politely but with incomprehension.

incomprehension

/ ɪnˌkɒm-; ˌɪnkɒmprɪˈhɛnʃən /

noun

1. inability or failure to comprehend; lack of understanding

Word History and Origins

Origin of incomprehension¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; in- ³ + comprehension

Example Sentences

The federation said Thibus denied intentionally taking a banned substance and “expressed total incomprehension, immense surprise and dismay” at the test result.

From Seattle Times

He predicted Catholics will increasingly “parish shop” to find a church of like-minded people, a recognition, he said, “of incomprehension between different types of Catholics because of the culture wars.”

From Los Angeles Times

But in her letter dated Aug. 2, Baerbock expressed "incomprehension" at what she said were insufficient consultations with other countries in the 27-nation bloc.

From Reuters

The mutual incomprehension and tensions between the French state, and the many citizens who are convinced the protests have a legitimacy founded in a pattern of police violence against minorities, was palpable in Nanterre.

From New York Times

“When you launch a pension overhaul in a context of strong inflation, heavily reduced purchasing power and worries over a war in Ukraine,” Mr. Hollande said, “that fuels incomprehension.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• illiteracy
• nescience