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
Yet, this vision is based upon a misunderstanding of the causes and consequences of American industrial decline.
—
Made By History, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
Teams are now more prone to misunderstanding and conflict than ever before.
—Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Lastly, your celestial ruler, Mercury, will clash with Mars in your communication sector on May 18 — expect mental friction and potential arguments with others, especially around misunderstandings or mixed signals.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Officials appear to have selected their targets in part based on tattoos and a misunderstanding of their significance.
—Nicholas D. Kristof, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for misunderstanding
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Made By History, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
Teams are now more prone to misunderstanding and conflict than ever before.
—Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Lastly, your celestial ruler, Mercury, will clash with Mars in your communication sector on May 18 — expect mental friction and potential arguments with others, especially around misunderstandings or mixed signals.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Officials appear to have selected their targets in part based on tattoos and a misunderstanding of their significance.
—Nicholas D. Kristof, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 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 28 Apr. 2025.
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