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
While these issues seem to have been caused by users’ misunderstanding of features, other, more nefarious security flaws have emerged.
—
Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Outside the courtroom, his parents told KOMO the situation is a misunderstanding.
—Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Usually there’s some history of misunderstandings, hurt feelings or real transgressions.
—Ingrid Schmidt, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2025
The relationship, however, has remained vulnerable to misunderstandings, missteps, and missed opportunities because of lingering distrust and misaligned expectations.
—Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for misunderstanding
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Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Outside the courtroom, his parents told KOMO the situation is a misunderstanding.
—Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Usually there’s some history of misunderstandings, hurt feelings or real transgressions.
—Ingrid Schmidt, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2025
The relationship, however, has remained vulnerable to misunderstandings, missteps, and missed opportunities because of lingering distrust and misaligned expectations.
—Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 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 17 Sep. 2025.
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