にもかかわらずDespite; in spite of
にもかかわらず formally states that something happened despite an established fact that would normally lead you to expect the opposite.
How the contrast works
The first part is presented as a fact. The second part then reports an action, state, or result that conflicts with the normal expectation created by that fact. The construction strongly foregrounds this mismatch; it does not merely place two different facts side by side.
Attaching it to facts
It can follow a noun directly or attach to a complete plain clause.
悪天候にもかかわらず、救助活動は予定どおり続けられた。
Despite the severe weather, the rescue operation continued as planned.
Analyze十分な証拠が示されているにもかかわらず、委員会は結論を先送りした。
Although sufficient evidence has been presented, the committee postponed its conclusion.
Analyzeこの装置は構造が単純であるにもかかわらず、高い処理能力を備えている。
Although this device has a simple structure, it offers high processing capacity.
AnalyzeReferring back to a full sentence
最新の調査では安全性に問題はないと報告された。にもかかわらず、運用は一時停止された。
The latest investigation reported that there were no safety problems. Nevertheless, operations were temporarily suspended.
AnalyzeAt the beginning of a sentence, the expression points back to the explicit statement immediately before it.
A stronger contradiction than quiet qualification
ものの also connects two established facts in writing, but it often acknowledges the first fact and then adds a quieter limitation. にもかかわらず more explicitly presents the second fact as contrary to what the first fact should have led us to expect.
Do not treat the shorter form as a free variant
The も matters. にもかかわらず means “despite,” while にかかわらず commonly means “regardless of” and describes something that makes no difference to the result.
年齢にかかわらず、応募することができます。
You may apply regardless of age.
AnalyzeThis is the neighboring “regardless of” construction, not the target concessive use.
More examples
予算が削減されたにもかかわらず、研究チームは予定していた調査を完了した。
Despite the budget cuts, the research team completed the planned investigation.
Analyze小規模な組織であるにもかかわらず、同社は海外に三つの拠点を持っている。
Although it is a small organization, the company has three overseas locations.
Analyze度重なる警告にもかかわらず、管理者は必要な対策を講じなかった。
Despite repeated warnings, the administrator did not take the necessary measures.
Analyze彼は重い責任を負っていた。にもかかわらず、会見では終始冷静だった。
He bore a heavy responsibility. Nevertheless, he remained calm throughout the press conference.
Analyze気温は低かったにもかかわらず、会場には多くの観客が集まった。
Although the temperature was low, a large audience gathered at the venue.
Analyze法律で公開が義務づけられているにもかかわらず、その資料は公表されていない。
Although disclosure is required by law, the materials have not been made public.
Analyze