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

Questions provide that feedback immediately, allowing managers to clarify, adapt or deepen the discussion before misunderstandings become decisions. — Chiara Alzati, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

App makers also advise against confrontation and accept no liability for false positives or misunderstandings. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026

Turkey and Israel began technical talks in Azerbaijan in 2025 aimed at preventing misunderstandings or military incidents in Syria. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2026

In a wide-ranging exclusive interview aired Tuesday, Dudum contended the allegations stemmed from a misunderstanding of how the company is altering healthcare. — Jacqueline Corba, CNBC, 18 Aug. 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