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
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
To address the budding controversy, the native Malawian took to Instagram Sunday night to quell any misunderstanding.
—
Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 22 July 2024
Myths, past abuses hurt organ donation effort The agency’s work in the early stages with families focuses on offering resources to manage grief, building trust and attempting to debunk myths and misunderstandings about organ donation, Van Slyck said.
—Cathie Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 30 June 2024
But government prosecutors had argued that his motion was based on a misunderstanding of appellate practices since Third Circuit Court of Appeals had already allowed Noreika to try the case.
—Aron Solomon, Newsweek, 9 July 2024
Lack of communication and dwindling interactions between Taiwan and Beijing increases the risk of misunderstanding.
—Bonnie S. Glaser, Foreign Affairs, 2 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for misunderstanding 
Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 22 July 2024
Myths, past abuses hurt organ donation effort The agency’s work in the early stages with families focuses on offering resources to manage grief, building trust and attempting to debunk myths and misunderstandings about organ donation, Van Slyck said.
—Cathie Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 30 June 2024
But government prosecutors had argued that his motion was based on a misunderstanding of appellate practices since Third Circuit Court of Appeals had already allowed Noreika to try the case.
—Aron Solomon, Newsweek, 9 July 2024
Lack of communication and dwindling interactions between Taiwan and Beijing increases the risk of misunderstanding.
—Bonnie S. Glaser, Foreign Affairs, 2 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for misunderstanding
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'misunderstanding.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near misunderstanding
Cite this Entry
“Misunderstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misunderstanding. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
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