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 EU’s outgoing Foreign Policy chief Josep Borrell reportedly wrote of the “incomprehension” of some member states over the deal struck by the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen with Tunisia, due to a sharp deterioration in its democracy.

From BBC

Puthli’s life embodies pop music in the post-colonial world, with all its promise and incomprehension.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Even though they are both the same age, Joe isn't emotionally 36, as seen from his almost boyish glee after they have sex and then incomprehension when she describes the fling as merely "what adults do."

From Salon

Related Words

• illiteracy
• nescience