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
Clear, empathetic listening reduces misunderstandings and turns communication into collaboration.
—
Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Mercury, your celestial ruler, stations direct on Aug. 11, clearing up misunderstandings and freeing your mind.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 22 July 2025
Asking questions can also help clarify confusing testimony and reduce misunderstandings.
—Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 22 July 2025
With the fierce and ambitious Astrid (BAFTA nominee Nico Parker; Dumbo, The Last of Us) and the village's quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost; Snow White and the Huntsman, Shaun of the Dead) by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding.
—Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for misunderstanding
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Mercury, your celestial ruler, stations direct on Aug. 11, clearing up misunderstandings and freeing your mind.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 22 July 2025
Asking questions can also help clarify confusing testimony and reduce misunderstandings.
—Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 22 July 2025
With the fierce and ambitious Astrid (BAFTA nominee Nico Parker; Dumbo, The Last of Us) and the village's quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost; Snow White and the Huntsman, Shaun of the Dead) by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding.
—Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 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 30 Jul. 2025.
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