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

Basically that poor enforcement had bred serious disrespect for the law, or at least a misunderstanding of it. —Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

But both therapists agree that honest and open communication is a must for preventing misunderstandings and keeping resentment from building up. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 Nov. 2024

While that is technically true — Drew reached junior black belt status learning TaeKwonDo in eighth grade — the offhand remark caused a serious misunderstanding. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 1 Nov. 2024

Slavens said that the daughters may still be processing their mother's passing and that their grief, coupled with misunderstandings about their father's financial sacrifices, could have fueled their initial hostility. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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