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Showing results for misunderstanding. Search instead for difficulty understanding.
Synonyms

misunderstanding

American  
[mis-uhn-der-stan-ding] / ˌmɪs ʌn dərˈstæn dɪŋ /

noun

  1. failure to understand correctly; mistake as to meaning or intent.

    Synonyms:
    misconception, error, misapprehension
  2. a disagreement or quarrel.

    Synonyms:
    dissension, difficulty, difference, discord
    Antonyms:
    concord

misunderstanding British  
/ ˌmɪsʌndəˈstændɪŋ /

noun

  1. a failure to understand properly

  2. a disagreement

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • misunderstandingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of misunderstanding

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; mis- 1 + understanding

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“I think it’s all a misunderstanding,” said Sofía, 28, a regular client who, like others interviewed, declined to give their full names for privacy reasons.

From Los Angeles Times

Seasoned diplomats rehearsed rigid protocols to prevent misunderstandings between two nuclear powers poised like scorpions in a jar.

From The Wall Street Journal

Division over reform often comes down to a misunderstanding over the program and how it works, said Martha Shedden, president and co-founder of the National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts.

From MarketWatch

Back pain affects many people, yet a surprising number of misunderstandings continue to circulate.

From Science Daily

Disability advocates say these attacks reflect a misunderstanding — or outright dismissal — of why accommodations exist.

From Salon