notwithstanding

Main Entry: ¹not·with·stand·ing 

Pronunciation: \ˌnät-with-ˈstan-diŋ, -with-\

Function: preposition

Etymology: Middle English notwithstonding, from not + withstonding, present participle of withstonden to withstand

Date: 14th century

: despite {notwithstanding their inexperience, they were an immediate success} —often used after its object {the motion passed, our objection notwithstanding}