# notwithstanding

/ˌnɑtwɪθˈstændɪŋ/ (US) · /nˌɒtwɪðstˈændɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/notwithstanding
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. despite

preposition · CEFR C1 · Formal · Academic

you use this to say that something is true even though there is a problem or obstacle.

For teachers: functioning as a preposition meaning 'in spite of' or 'despite'.

- Notwithstanding the heavy rain, the outdoor concert continued as planned.
- Notwithstanding the initial technical difficulties, the research team successfully completed the data collection phase ahead of the original schedule.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun phrase it governs, though it can also follow it.

### 2. following a noun

preposition · CEFR C1 · Formal · Academic

this is the same as 'despite', but it comes after the noun instead of before it.

For teachers: functioning as a postposition; the word follows the noun phrase it modifies while retaining the meaning of 'despite'.

- The small size of the room notwithstanding, it felt very comfortable.
- The legal complexities notwithstanding, the two companies reached a settlement that satisfied both boards of directors.

Usage: In this postpositional use, the word follows the noun phrase it refers to.

### 3. nevertheless

adverb · CEFR C1 · Formal · Academic

you use this to mean 'anyway' or 'in spite of what was just said'.

For teachers: functioning as a conjunctive adverb meaning 'nevertheless' or 'all the same'.

- The evidence was weak; notwithstanding, the jury found him guilty.
- The budget was severely limited; notwithstanding, the architect managed to create a building of significant aesthetic merit.

Usage: Typically used to transition between two independent clauses.

### 4. although

conjunction · CEFR C1 · Formal · Academic

you use this to connect two parts of a sentence when the second part is surprising.

For teachers: functioning as a subordinating conjunction meaning 'although' or 'even though'.

- He decided to buy the car, notwithstanding that it was very expensive.
- The policy was implemented immediately, notwithstanding that several committee members had expressed strong reservations during the final vote.

Usage: Usually followed by a 'that' clause.

## Examples

- Notwithstanding the rain, the outdoor concert continued.
- Notwithstanding several minor technical delays, the satellite launch was completed exactly on schedule.
- The legal team decided to proceed with the appeal, their recent setbacks notwithstanding, as they believed the original verdict was fundamentally flawed.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.