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
However your connections look, a small promise about time or attention can reset trust after a recent misunderstanding.
—
Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026
Much of the criticism for the funding plan stems from a misunderstanding, said Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle.
—Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice, 6 Mar. 2026
But after Ambassador Graham Martin was airlifted to safety with the embassy’s American flag, the helicopter evacuation had been canceled — the result of a misunderstanding, as air staff didn’t realize a group of Marines was still waiting to be picked up.
—Harrison Smith, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2026
Shah Alam was arrested in February 2025 after what his son described as a misunderstanding.
—Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for misunderstanding
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Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026
Much of the criticism for the funding plan stems from a misunderstanding, said Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle.
—Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice, 6 Mar. 2026
But after Ambassador Graham Martin was airlifted to safety with the embassy’s American flag, the helicopter evacuation had been canceled — the result of a misunderstanding, as air staff didn’t realize a group of Marines was still waiting to be picked up.
—Harrison Smith, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2026
Shah Alam was arrested in February 2025 after what his son described as a misunderstanding.
—Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 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 9 Mar. 2026.
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