conjunction / preposition / adverb · formal
notwithstanding
UK/ˌnɒt.wɪðˈstæn.dɪŋ/US/ˌnɑːt.wɪðˈstæn.dɪŋ/not·with·STAND·ing
despite something; used to introduce a fact that makes the main statement surprising
Examples
“Notwithstanding the initial problems, the scheme was a success.”
“He accepted the job, notwithstanding his lack of experience.”
“The application was approved notwithstanding the missing documents.”
Band 8 sentence
“Notwithstanding concerns about upfront costs, the committee approved the green infrastructure scheme for its long‑term benefits.”
Collocations
- notwithstanding + the + noun
- notwithstanding + that + clause
Word family
Common mistakes
Notwithstanding of the rain, we went out.→Notwithstanding the rain, we went out.
He passed the exam, notwithstanding that he didn't study much.→Notwithstanding that he didn't study much, he passed the exam.
Say it for a higher band
5because of→6despite→7+notwithstanding
Synonyms
despite
in spite of
Easily confused
despite
“Despite the bad weather, the event continued as planned.”
Related words
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In Contrast
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