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
The theft was later determined to be a misunderstanding and no disciplinary action was taken.
—
Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2025
This can cause misunderstandings and hinder the team’s progress.
—Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Reality doesn’t figure much in the social-media circus around the protests, which has relied heavily on the public’s misunderstanding of L.A. geography, a mistaken impression that the National Guard took over the streets, and looping footage of two Waymos on fire downtown.
—Emily Witt, New Yorker, 11 June 2025
As the couples separate to argue in private or individuals retreat to lick their wounds, the writer-director periodically cuts between them, so that their conversations or coping mechanisms become a single symphony of hurt and anger and misunderstanding.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for misunderstanding
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Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2025
This can cause misunderstandings and hinder the team’s progress.
—Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Reality doesn’t figure much in the social-media circus around the protests, which has relied heavily on the public’s misunderstanding of L.A. geography, a mistaken impression that the National Guard took over the streets, and looping footage of two Waymos on fire downtown.
—Emily Witt, New Yorker, 11 June 2025
As the couples separate to argue in private or individuals retreat to lick their wounds, the writer-director periodically cuts between them, so that their conversations or coping mechanisms become a single symphony of hurt and anger and misunderstanding.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for misunderstanding
Cite this Entry
“Misunderstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misunderstanding. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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