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

• 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

Analysts believe the negative reaction was due to a misunderstanding of company expectations after the financial news announcement, coupled with a view by some that the stock price might have become too expensive compared with other luxury goods companies. —Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025

Two young men were involved in a disagreement of some kind, or, more likely, a misunderstanding. —Aaron Boehmer august 4, Literary Hub, 4 Aug. 2025

Mild-mannered Dave Buznik (Sandler) is sentenced to anger management after a misunderstanding on a plane. —Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 26 July 2025

The two men hugged, apologized about the misunderstanding and agreed that Denney would lie to police when seeking medical attention. —Alex Riggins, Mercury News, 25 July 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