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.
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Noun
By the time Robyn joins the conversation, her bestie is on the ropes, feebly trying to insist that the entire matter is a misunderstanding. — Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2026 That tension may stem from a fundamental misunderstanding of intent, according to Grimaldi, creator and editor-in-chief of online lifestyle magazine The Zillennial Zine. — CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 McKinney thinks Roy’s emphasis on fighting Trump speaks to a misunderstanding of the job. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 For Corn, this misunderstanding is key to the painting’s success, allowing for endless adaptation of the archetypal form of two figures joined in union. — Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 23 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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
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