misunderstanding
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
Examples of misunderstanding in a Sentence
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
According to Cohen, that fear can sometimes lead to judgment rooted in misunderstanding.
—
Rachel Hale, USA Today, 23 May 2026
This branding resulted from a 1946 misunderstanding of a completely different definition originally cited by the now long-defunct Maine Farmers' Almanac.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 22 May 2026
Advertisement To its opponents, though, this effort reflected a fundamental misunderstanding of why one fell ill.
—Tom Levenson, Time, 20 May 2026
The team concluded the term more accurately reflects the condition’s endocrine, metabolic and reproductive features while helping reduce misunderstanding for patients who have long felt their diagnosis was minimized.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for misunderstanding
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Rachel Hale, USA Today, 23 May 2026
This branding resulted from a 1946 misunderstanding of a completely different definition originally cited by the now long-defunct Maine Farmers' Almanac.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 22 May 2026
Advertisement To its opponents, though, this effort reflected a fundamental misunderstanding of why one fell ill.
—Tom Levenson, Time, 20 May 2026
The team concluded the term more accurately reflects the condition’s endocrine, metabolic and reproductive features while helping reduce misunderstanding for patients who have long felt their diagnosis was minimized.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for misunderstanding
Cite this Entry
“Misunderstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misunderstanding. Accessed 27 May. 2026.
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