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

Overcoming challenges to inclusive play The drive to promote inclusivity in play areas isn’t without challenges, the most significant of which is a misunderstanding of what makes a play spot wholly inclusive. —Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026

The online community was extremely supportive of the hilarious misunderstanding and encouraged the original poster to reach out to Tom and see his reaction. —Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 4 Jan. 2026

Meanwhile, her kidnapper is calling the incident a big misunderstanding. —Andrew Adeolu, CBS News, 2 Jan. 2026

Jason gives the exact same recap of their night out, so there is no misunderstanding by either party. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025

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