incomprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "incomprehension" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an abstract noun that means a lack of understanding or comprehension. You might use it in a sentence such as: "The concept of quantum physics was met with incomprehension from many in the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He predicts that collective bemused vague incomprehension will continue.

The Guardian

This incomprehension does not necessarily mean that Spain would represent an obstacle for David Cameron as he negotiates a better agreement with the EU.

The Guardian

Europe's dealings with China are still marked by suspicion, not to say incomprehension.

The Economist

A big stake in IBM taken after years of avoiding technology companies on the basis of incomprehension looked like such a compromise.In recent purchases, such as Heinz and the acquisition of a utility in Nevada by MidAmerican, Mr Buffett has been making more use of debt.

The Economist

A dangerous gap of mutual mistrust and incomprehension has opened between the world of euro-zone politics and the financial markets.

The Economist

Jonathan Chait thinks it must be genuine incomprehension, because Republicans would never deliberately have put themselves in their untenable current position.

The Economist

Meeting blank incomprehension, the policeman wrote $10 into the sand with a stick.

The Economist

A Manhattan judge's decision on July 1st to free DSK, as he is known, from house arrest, amid doubts about the credibility of his accuser, has again knocked France sideways.The latest episode in this torrid saga involving power, money, sex, politics and transatlantic incomprehension came from revelations about the plaintiff, a hotel maid.

The Economist

The idea of applying it to children, "in fun", in a world where they are the first victims of adult stupidity, incomprehension and rage simply doesn't work as an extended joke.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

But it is played in a world that in its tribalism and mutual incomprehension can look rather ugly.PS at 1500 on ThursdayJust to avoid any doubt, this is not a blog posting wondering if there is an urgent need for FIFA to clean up its act.

The Economist

A gaggle of Turkish conscripts stares in mute incomprehension.In the province of Hakkari, members of a group inspired by the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) of Masoud Barzani, president of Iraq's Kurdish region, whisper of a new plan to unite the Kurds of Turkey, Syria, Iran and Iraq.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "incomprehension" to describe a state of not understanding something complex or abstract, rather than simple, everyday concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "incomprehension" when a simpler word like "misunderstanding" or "confusion" would suffice for everyday situations. "Incomprehension" is best reserved for more profound or complex failures of understanding.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "incomprehension" is as a noun. It represents the state or condition of not understanding something. Ludwig examples illustrate it being used to describe a general lack of understanding or a specific instance of not being able to grasp a concept.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "incomprehension" is a noun denoting a lack of understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for written English. With very common usage, it appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. Related phrases include "lack of understanding" and "failure to understand". The best practice is to reserve "incomprehension" for complex subjects, avoiding it in simple situations where "confusion" suffices. Ludwig's examples on display from numerous sources and highlights that "incomprehension" is a solid choice for expressing a failure to grasp complex information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of understanding

Focuses on the absence of understanding, a more general term than "incomprehension".

failure to understand

Highlights the unsuccessful attempt to comprehend something.

inability to grasp

Emphasizes the difficulty in seizing or understanding an idea.

lack of insight

Indicates a deficiency in perceptive understanding.

cognitive deficit

A more clinical term referring to a deficiency in cognitive abilities.

mental block

Refers to a temporary inability to think or remember something.

perplexity

Highlights a state of being puzzled or confused.

confusion

A general state of being bewildered or unclear about something.

bewilderment

A state of being deeply perplexed and confused.

opacity

Emphasizes the lack of clarity or transparency, making understanding difficult.

FAQs

How can I use "incomprehension" in a sentence?

"Incomprehension" is typically used to describe a lack of understanding, often in response to something complex or confusing. For example, "His explanation was met with general incomprehension."

What are some alternatives to "incomprehension"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "lack of understanding", "confusion", or "perplexity".

Is it appropriate to use "incomprehension" in formal writing?

Yes, "incomprehension" is suitable for formal writing. It's a precise and professional term to describe a lack of understanding, as shown by Ludwig's AI and the numerous examples.

What is the difference between "incomprehension" and "misunderstanding"?

"Incomprehension" suggests a complete failure to grasp something, while "misunderstanding" implies a partial or incorrect understanding. Incomprehension is a stronger term.