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
Leaders rooted in love can listen, clarify, learn and continue without collapsing under misunderstanding.
—
Yujia Zhu,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
The idea is to allow for accidents, miscommunications or misunderstandings that the participants agree should not scuttle talks.
—
ABC News,
1 July 2026
Where modern novels might have opposites meeting at work, separated by a misunderstanding and reunited with a kiss and solid communication, ancient novels are quite different.
—
Literary Hub,
30 June 2026
An element of confusion might create misunderstandings with romantic couples, the arts, sports and making social plans.
—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for misunderstanding
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Yujia Zhu,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
The idea is to allow for accidents, miscommunications or misunderstandings that the participants agree should not scuttle talks.
—
ABC News,
1 July 2026
Where modern novels might have opposites meeting at work, separated by a misunderstanding and reunited with a kiss and solid communication, ancient novels are quite different.
—
Literary Hub,
30 June 2026
An element of confusion might create misunderstandings with romantic couples, the arts, sports and making social plans.
—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for misunderstanding
Cite this Entry
“Misunderstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misunderstanding. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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