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
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
There have been past misunderstandings about who is responsible for what at the site, and how revenue should be handled.
—
Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
But if there’s mistrust, the process can quickly break down, resulting in misunderstandings and conflicts about the patient’s best interests and making a difficult situation more distressing.
—Daniel T. Kim, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2025
As Venus and Neptune align, good vibes temporarily mask a misunderstanding.
—USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025
And so that comes with a lot of trauma, a lot of misunderstanding, a lot of unresolved feelings that men have to carry and still be able to hold the fort down.
—J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for misunderstanding 
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Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
But if there’s mistrust, the process can quickly break down, resulting in misunderstandings and conflicts about the patient’s best interests and making a difficult situation more distressing.
—Daniel T. Kim, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2025
As Venus and Neptune align, good vibes temporarily mask a misunderstanding.
—USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025
And so that comes with a lot of trauma, a lot of misunderstanding, a lot of unresolved feelings that men have to carry and still be able to hold the fort down.
—J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for misunderstanding
Dictionary Entries Near misunderstanding
Cite this Entry
“Misunderstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misunderstanding. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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