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 of misunderstanding

• mistake
• misinterpretation
• misreading
• misconstruction
• incomprehension
• misimpression

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 Jeanne’s death, and a misunderstanding over an apple cake, causes an uproar in the Rubinstein family across three generations. —Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026

Follow pre-decided processes to avoid misunderstandings and unnecessary emotional labor. —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2026

The grand jury also found the county missed enforcement opportunities due to poor interdepartmental communication, misunderstandings of permitting requirements and a longstanding practice of deprioritizing code enforcement. —Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 26 Mar. 2026

This is both weak grounds for belief and a fundamental misunderstanding of faith. —Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for misunderstanding

• banding
• branding
• handing
• landing
• sanding
• standing
• stranding
• commanding
• demanding
• disbanding
• expanding
• freestanding

Kids Definition

misunderstanding

noun

mis·​un·​der·​stand·​ing

(ˌ)mis-ˌən-dər-ˈstan-diŋ

1

: a failure to understand

2

: disagreement sense 2b, quarrel