misunderstanding

1 of 2

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

misunderstanding

2 of 2

present participle of misunderstand

Synonyms of misunderstanding

Noun

• mistake
• misinterpretation
• misreading
• misconstruction
• incomprehension
• misimpression

Examples of misunderstanding in a Sentence

Noun

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

Noun

Four Hands, Two Sonatas ends with Jeong-yo and Pi-o together again, seemingly free of the pressures and misunderstandings that plagued them for so long. — Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026

Cash does not mean skipping the closing process Another common misunderstanding is that selling for cash removes the normal legal steps involved in transferring real estate. — Ascend Agency, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026

In a particularly startling moment, one Republican senator even accused Smith of perjuring himself about his attendance at a basketball game in what appeared to be a misunderstanding over a team name. — Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026

If an agent has access to a primary account, a misunderstanding could expose the consumer’s available balance or credit line. — Louis Hoch, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for misunderstanding

• banding
• branding
• handing
• landing
• sanding
• standing
• stranding
• commanding
• demanding
• disbanding
• expanding
• freestanding

Kids Definition

misunderstanding

noun

mis·​un·​der·​stand·​ing

(ˌ)mis-ˌən-dər-ˈstan-diŋ

1

: a failure to understand

2

: disagreement sense 2b, quarrel