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
Rooted in the quiet rhythms of Abu Dhabi life, this intimate Emirati short examines the fragile bond between a father and daughter navigating love, duty and misunderstanding.
—
Essie Assibu, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Halsey continued by saying a lot of people who are bipolar remain undiagnosed because of these misunderstandings.
—Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2025
TikTok users flooded the comments section with laughter and playful interpretations of the dog’s behavior, charmed by the pet’s timing and apparent misunderstanding of the task at hand.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
In his letter, Raghu, who has a stepdaughter, detailed significant legal and financial burdens on his family that were prompted by the misunderstanding around the perfume bottle.
—Kimmy Yam, NBC news, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for misunderstanding
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Essie Assibu, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Halsey continued by saying a lot of people who are bipolar remain undiagnosed because of these misunderstandings.
—Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2025
TikTok users flooded the comments section with laughter and playful interpretations of the dog’s behavior, charmed by the pet’s timing and apparent misunderstanding of the task at hand.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
In his letter, Raghu, who has a stepdaughter, detailed significant legal and financial burdens on his family that were prompted by the misunderstanding around the perfume bottle.
—Kimmy Yam, NBC news, 10 Oct. 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 23 Oct. 2025.
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