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
Across North America and parts of Europe, budgeting and planning tools are increasingly used to support transparency and reduce misunderstandings around costs, helping couples manage expenses more confidently.
—
Craig Lebrau, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Some Republicans, including Senator Tim Scott, called for the post to be removed, though the White House’s initial framing treated the matter as a misunderstanding rather than intentional misconduct, later attributing it to a mistake by a staffer after initially defending it as a meme.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Konfidenz’s conversations are in German and French, so questions of translation and misunderstanding only heighten the uncertainty and fear.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026
The fundamental flaw in the TrumpRx model lies in a misunderstanding — or perhaps a willful misrepresentation — of how most Americans pay for their prescription medications.
—Ryan N. Hansen, STAT, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for misunderstanding
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Craig Lebrau, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Some Republicans, including Senator Tim Scott, called for the post to be removed, though the White House’s initial framing treated the matter as a misunderstanding rather than intentional misconduct, later attributing it to a mistake by a staffer after initially defending it as a meme.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Konfidenz’s conversations are in German and French, so questions of translation and misunderstanding only heighten the uncertainty and fear.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026
The fundamental flaw in the TrumpRx model lies in a misunderstanding — or perhaps a willful misrepresentation — of how most Americans pay for their prescription medications.
—Ryan N. Hansen, STAT, 5 Feb. 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 16 Feb. 2026.
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