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
But these kinds of proposals are rooted in a lack of imagination and a misunderstanding of human nature.
—
Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Washington and Hollywood have long had an awkward relationship, with players in each power center harboring insecurities and misunderstandings about the other as politics and entertainment have steadily merged into a single cultural force.
—ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
When their flight gets delayed — first once, then too many times to be normal — they're forced to confront decades of old wounds and misunderstandings.
—Shyla Watson, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
The premise, for anyone who needs reminding, is an odd couple lifelong friendship that survives domineering mothers, long distances, polar opposite personalities, men and misunderstandings, all until a terminal disease does the separating that a long list of previous plot devices couldn’t.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for misunderstanding
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Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Washington and Hollywood have long had an awkward relationship, with players in each power center harboring insecurities and misunderstandings about the other as politics and entertainment have steadily merged into a single cultural force.
—ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
When their flight gets delayed — first once, then too many times to be normal — they're forced to confront decades of old wounds and misunderstandings.
—Shyla Watson, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
The premise, for anyone who needs reminding, is an odd couple lifelong friendship that survives domineering mothers, long distances, polar opposite personalities, men and misunderstandings, all until a terminal disease does the separating that a long list of previous plot devices couldn’t.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for misunderstanding
Cite this Entry
“Misunderstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misunderstanding. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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