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

While one group of works treats gravity as an anchor to bodily existence, another examines documents and archives, asking how words—our primary instruments of connection—can simplify experience, distort truth and generate misunderstanding. — Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

As in much of Europe, tourism is a sensitive subject, so knowing the unwritten rules (and even a bit of the local language, Euskera) will help avoid misunderstandings and unlock the city’s joyful, trademark love of the table. — Marti Buckley, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026

Few issues complicate custody cases more than mental health, but the fear itself is often based on a fundamental misunderstanding of how Connecticut law actually works. — Melissa Needle, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 2026

Wilson said elsewhere that Himesh Patel should have been Odysseus — that’s a further misunderstanding of what the movie is attempting to say. — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 1 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