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
Nothing has been said officially in this regard, but perhaps some of the apparent hesitancy of coaches or Concacaf representatives to speak publicly on the matter in the immediate aftermath was based on speculation that the likely true nature of events involved some sort of misunderstanding.
—
Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Due to internal miscommunication and misunderstandings, family communication was delayed.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 3 Mar. 2025
Still, Aguilar noted that misunderstandings about the Latino workforce abound on all sides.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 2 Mar. 2025
Another was charged for a misdemeanor for shoplifting at Target, which his family say was a misunderstanding.
—Claire Healy, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for misunderstanding
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Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Due to internal miscommunication and misunderstandings, family communication was delayed.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 3 Mar. 2025
Still, Aguilar noted that misunderstandings about the Latino workforce abound on all sides.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 2 Mar. 2025
Another was charged for a misdemeanor for shoplifting at Target, which his family say was a misunderstanding.
—Claire Healy, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 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 9 Mar. 2025.
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