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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.

“Really? Is it talking to me?” he asked, completely misunderstanding again.

From Literature

They said the fears surrounding Blue Owl aren’t tied to evidence of losses or poor underwriting, but rather to a misunderstanding.

From The Wall Street Journal

The organisation maintains that the policy is "unfair and discriminatory" and that the decision reflects "a fundamental misunderstanding of Freemasonry as it is today".

From BBC

One of the most common misunderstandings about tariffs is who pays them.

From MarketWatch

Gentle parenting has become a contentious topic, but Kelly believes much of this stems from misunderstanding.

From BBC