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
When Koenigsmann approached her last year about the possibility of flying on Blue Origin and experiencing more than three minutes of weightlessness on a space hop, Benthaus thought there might be a misunderstanding.
—
Marcia Dunn, Fortune, 21 Dec. 2025
In practice, family therapy involves having a neutral third party observe how everyone interacts in order to reduce misunderstandings, conflicts, and ideally, your stress.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 16 Dec. 2025
That, and a bloody misunderstanding, lead to a confrontation between the couple and their maid.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 16 Dec. 2025
The recent events have placed them on different sides of a sensitive moment and their decision to meet privately shows signs of a mutual desire to speak directly while reducing misunderstandings and avoiding further speculation.
—Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for misunderstanding
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Marcia Dunn, Fortune, 21 Dec. 2025
In practice, family therapy involves having a neutral third party observe how everyone interacts in order to reduce misunderstandings, conflicts, and ideally, your stress.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 16 Dec. 2025
That, and a bloody misunderstanding, lead to a confrontation between the couple and their maid.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 16 Dec. 2025
The recent events have placed them on different sides of a sensitive moment and their decision to meet privately shows signs of a mutual desire to speak directly while reducing misunderstandings and avoiding further speculation.
—Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 15 Dec. 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 22 Dec. 2025.
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