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
What to know after Milwaukee floods The misunderstanding, experts say, is common.
—
Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Baz said the couple intended to poke fun at cultural misunderstandings.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
With Mercury turning direct on the 7th, any communication mishaps or misunderstandings from earlier in the month should clear up, offering you the chance to reconnect with others in an easier and more effective way.
—Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
Three couples take turns renting a Buenos Aires flat to briefly escape their lives, only to spark jealousy, regrets and misunderstandings.
—Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for misunderstanding
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Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Baz said the couple intended to poke fun at cultural misunderstandings.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
With Mercury turning direct on the 7th, any communication mishaps or misunderstandings from earlier in the month should clear up, offering you the chance to reconnect with others in an easier and more effective way.
—Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
Three couples take turns renting a Buenos Aires flat to briefly escape their lives, only to spark jealousy, regrets and misunderstandings.
—Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 1 Oct. 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 10 Oct. 2025.
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