misunderstanding

noun

mis·un·der·stand·ing | \ (ˌ)mi-ˌsən-dər-ˈstan-diŋ

Definition of misunderstanding

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 More Example Sentences Learn More about misunderstanding

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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

But Inglewood officials argue that the current controversy is the result of a misunderstanding over how long policing records must be preserved. — P.r. Lockhart, Vox, "A California city plans to shred years of police records before a new law makes them public," 27 Dec. 2018 Given that real 5G will be rare and limited for the next year or more, this tiny little branding change could lead to a great deal of misunderstanding around the state of the next-generation wireless technology. — Jacob Kastrenakes, The Verge, "AT&T will put a fake 5G logo on its 4G LTE phones," 21 Dec. 2018 Response: Kozinski partially apologized but also framed some of the accusations as a misunderstanding. — Fiza Pirani, ajc, "From Weinstein to Lauer: A timeline of 2017's sexual harassment scandals," 26 May 2018 VanderLann said the drop in tourism from misunderstandings about the volcano has hurt many local residents. — Gabby Raymond, Time, "Hawaiians Blame Misunderstanding of Volcano and 'Doomsday' Headlines for Big Drop in Tourism," 21 June 2018 There can be no misunderstandings about a proud group currently riding a bullet train toward 100 losses. — Sam Mellinger, kansascity, "Explaining — not endorsing — what the Royals are doing in rebuilding the franchise," 20 June 2018 There is love at the root of all their relationships, despite misunderstandings about their beliefs. — Lisa Fogarty, Good Housekeeping, "The "Roseanne" Reboot Is Exactly What We Need Right Now," 10 Apr. 2018 According to Pitts and Wetzel, the skepticism Native recruits face is owed to cultural misunderstanding, and the inadequate support systems in place as a result. — Abe Streep, New York Times, "What the Arlee Warriors Were Playing For," 4 Apr. 2018 There are serious moments too and arguments and misunderstandings about divorce. — Jessi Virtusio, Post-Tribune, "L'arc en Ciel marks season with 'Funny Valentines'," 15 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'misunderstanding.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.