This is the 697th most frequent Estonian word.
vaatamata
"Vaatamata" means "despite" or "regardless of" in English.
In this sentence, 'vaatamata' is used as a preposition meaning 'despite', indicating contrast.
Ta läks jalutama, vaatamata halvale ilmale.
He went for a walk despite the bad weather.
In this usage, 'vaatamata' is followed by a noun phrase, expressing contrast with the stated condition.
Ma vajan abi, vaatamata eelnevatele õnnestumistele.
I need help, despite previous successes.
Here, 'vaatamata' starts a clause ('vaatamata sellele, et...'), showing a contrasting situation.