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
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
That misunderstanding was corrected in short order and chalked up to a learning experience.
—
Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 8 June 2025
Biologists can afford to be flexible and imprecise when the stakes are merely a conversational misunderstanding.
—Alex Erwin, The Conversation, 6 June 2025
Much of the comedy Kroll and Rannells deliver is rooted in cultural misunderstandings.
—Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
There's the potential for honest misunderstandings; how could any one individual understand everything going on at a place like the National Science Foundation, which funds everything from evolutionary biology to high-energy physics?
—ArsTechnica, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for misunderstanding
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Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 8 June 2025
Biologists can afford to be flexible and imprecise when the stakes are merely a conversational misunderstanding.
—Alex Erwin, The Conversation, 6 June 2025
Much of the comedy Kroll and Rannells deliver is rooted in cultural misunderstandings.
—Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
There's the potential for honest misunderstandings; how could any one individual understand everything going on at a place like the National Science Foundation, which funds everything from evolutionary biology to high-energy physics?
—ArsTechnica, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for misunderstanding
Cite this Entry
“Misunderstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misunderstanding. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.
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