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
Synonyms
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
Basically that poor enforcement had bred serious disrespect for the law, or at least a misunderstanding of it.
—
Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
But both therapists agree that honest and open communication is a must for preventing misunderstandings and keeping resentment from building up.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 Nov. 2024
While that is technically true — Drew reached junior black belt status learning TaeKwonDo in eighth grade — the offhand remark caused a serious misunderstanding.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 1 Nov. 2024
Slavens said that the daughters may still be processing their mother's passing and that their grief, coupled with misunderstandings about their father's financial sacrifices, could have fueled their initial hostility.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for misunderstanding 
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Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
But both therapists agree that honest and open communication is a must for preventing misunderstandings and keeping resentment from building up.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 Nov. 2024
While that is technically true — Drew reached junior black belt status learning TaeKwonDo in eighth grade — the offhand remark caused a serious misunderstanding.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 1 Nov. 2024
Slavens said that the daughters may still be processing their mother's passing and that their grief, coupled with misunderstandings about their father's financial sacrifices, could have fueled their initial hostility.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for misunderstanding
Dictionary Entries Near misunderstanding
Cite this Entry
“Misunderstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misunderstanding. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.
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