misunderstanding

1 of 2

noun

mis·​un·​der·​stand·​ing (ˌ)mi-ˌsən-dər-ˈstan-diŋ How to pronounce misunderstanding (audio)
Synonyms of misunderstandingnext
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

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Noun

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Clear, descriptive communication with your doctor helps prevent those misunderstandings. — Jason Phillips, Ascend Agency, 24 Aug. 2026 Those accusations were false, and based on a prolific misunderstanding of where the team gets most of its revenue, who owns the majority of the organization, as well as how much of their television income comes from cable company Spectrum. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026 Bianco acted after a Riverside County citizens group questioned the integrity of the local election process, despite assurances from the registrar of voters that the group’s concerns were based on a misunderstanding. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 23 Aug. 2026 Neither Hogan nor anyone else on the prosecution team did anything to correct the judge’s misunderstanding. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for misunderstanding

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of misunderstanding was in the 15th century

Rhymes for misunderstanding

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Browse Nearby Words

misunderstand
misunderstanding
misunderstandingly
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Cite this Entry

“Misunderstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misunderstanding. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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