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

Synonyms of misunderstanding

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

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

Brockman brushed off the competitive threat, and said there's a misunderstanding around open source being cheaper, the person said. — Kate Rooney, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026

Experts say the situation is highlighting a bigger issue at hand than testosterone deficiency − an obsession with and major misunderstanding about masculinity. — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026

While he’s never shied away from narrative experimentation, he’s also never been so hampered by a fundamental misunderstanding of the dramatic contract. — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026

But that perspective is a misunderstanding of how recoil impacts your shooting in the long term. — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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