uncomprehending
Failing to grasp
Uncomprehending describes someone who fails to understand what they're seeing, hearing, or experiencing.
The word emphasizes the visible quality of incomprehension—an uncomprehending stare, an uncomprehending look.
It suggests blankness rather than confusion: She gazed at the legal document with uncomprehending eyes.
Thoroughly puzzled and confused
- baffledUtterly unable to understand
- perplexedThoroughly confused, uncertain
- puzzledConfused by something unclear
- mystifiedUtterly unable to understand
nonplussed · befuddled · disoriented · flummoxed · dumbfounded · stumped · disconcerted · confounded
Lacking necessary knowledge
- unawareLacking knowledge of something
- unknowingLacking awareness or information
- naiveInnocently unsuspecting
- unenlightenedLacking awareness or knowledge
uninitiated · clueless · unfamiliar · unschooled · untutored · inexperienced · unwitting · innocent
Closely packed together
- slowLacking in speed
- imperceptiveFailing to notice things
- unperceptiveLacking awareness or insight
- thickHaving great depth
dim · dull-witted · slow-witted · unobservant · insensible · unreceptive · impervious · blunt
Showing no feeling
- vacantWithout an occupant
- emptyHolding nothing inside
- glazedCoated with shiny finish
- deadpanExpressionless, especially for humor
stony · impassive · unresponsive · unreadable · stolid · poker-faced · glassy · wooden
bewildered
Thoroughly puzzled and confused
- baffledUtterly unable to understand
- perplexedThoroughly confused, uncertain
- puzzledConfused by something unclear
mystified · nonplussed · befuddled · disoriented · flummoxed · dumbfounded · stumped · disconcerted · confounded · muddled
uninformed
Lacking necessary knowledge
- unawareLacking knowledge of something
- unknowingLacking awareness or information
- naiveInnocently unsuspecting
unenlightened · uninitiated · clueless · unfamiliar · unschooled · untutored · inexperienced · unwitting · innocent · oblivious
dense
Closely packed together
- slowLacking in speed
- imperceptiveFailing to notice things
- unperceptiveLacking awareness or insight
thick · dim · dull-witted · slow-witted · unobservant · insensible · unreceptive · impervious · blunt · stolid
expressionless
Showing no feeling
deadpan · stony · impassive · unresponsive · unreadable · stolid · poker-faced · glassy · wooden · flat
uncomprehendingcomprehending
Mentally taking in meaning
understanding · knowing · grasping · insightful · perceptive