misunderstanding

1 of 2

noun

mis·​un·​der·​stand·​ing (ˌ)mi-ˌsən-dər-ˈstan-diŋ 

1

: a failure to understand : misinterpretation

The instructions were carefully written to prevent misunderstanding.

2

: quarrel, disagreement

an unfortunate misunderstanding between two old friends

misunderstanding

2 of 2

present participle of misunderstand

Synonyms of misunderstanding

Noun

• mistake
• misinterpretation
• misreading
• misconstruction
• incomprehension
• misimpression

Examples of misunderstanding in a Sentence

Noun

The instructions are carefully written in order to avoid misunderstanding.

Her comments reflect a misunderstanding of the basic problem.

using clear language to avoid misunderstandings

an unfortunate misunderstanding between old friends

We had our little misunderstandings in the past but we managed to clear them up long ago.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Commentary and opinion News that the national debt has reached $40 trillion has inspired lots of partisan hand-wringing — and even more misunderstanding, writes columnist Michael Hiltzik. — Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Doyle sees his arrest as evidence of the government’s fundamental misunderstanding of the resistance in Minneapolis. — Emily Witt, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026

If researchers do not communicate uncertainty clearly, each handoff becomes another opportunity for misunderstanding. — Aleeza Gerstein, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026

Clear, descriptive communication with your doctor helps prevent those misunderstandings. — Jason Phillips, Ascend Agency, 24 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for misunderstanding

• banding
• branding
• handing
• landing
• sanding
• standing
• stranding
• commanding
• demanding
• disbanding
• expanding
• freestanding

Kids Definition

misunderstanding

noun

mis·​un·​der·​stand·​ing

(ˌ)mis-ˌən-dər-ˈstan-diŋ

1

: a failure to understand

2

: disagreement sense 2b, quarrel