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

• incomprehension
• misapprehension
• misconstruction
• misconstruing
• misimpression
• misinterpretation
• misknowledge
• misreading

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

Another reason people feel that way about forecasts is related to a misunderstanding of percent chance of rain. —Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025

Be mindful of isolating yourself — blockages in communication could lead to misunderstandings with close friends. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025

Rubell, the new owner, viewed his Elvis trouble as a misunderstanding. —Zach Helfand, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025

The answer may lie in our misunderstanding of compliance. —Sunita Sah, Twin Cities, 9 Mar. 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