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
Understanding the Unique Nature of Art and Collectibles The problem often starts with a misunderstanding.
—
Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Other disputes stem from misunderstandings, with another Newsweek article describing a woman who was accused of falsely claiming an allergy to avoid eating certain foods at a family dinner.
—Matthew Impelli, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Clear communication helped Brandy and Monica work through their misunderstandings.
—Dave Quinn, People.com, 24 June 2025
Aid workers and experts said this is a short-sighted way to handle foreign aid that reflects a deep misunderstanding of the agency’s work and will have long-term consequences for Americans.
—Amy Schoenfeld Walker, New York Times, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for misunderstanding
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Other disputes stem from misunderstandings, with another Newsweek article describing a woman who was accused of falsely claiming an allergy to avoid eating certain foods at a family dinner.
—Matthew Impelli, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Clear communication helped Brandy and Monica work through their misunderstandings.
—Dave Quinn, People.com, 24 June 2025
Aid workers and experts said this is a short-sighted way to handle foreign aid that reflects a deep misunderstanding of the agency’s work and will have long-term consequences for Americans.
—Amy Schoenfeld Walker, New York Times, 22 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 15 Jul. 2025.
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