misunderstanding

[mis-uhn-der-stan-ding]

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

/ ˌmɪsʌndəˈstændɪŋ /

noun

1. a failure to understand properly

2. a disagreement

Other Word Forms

• misunderstandingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of misunderstanding¹

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

Example Sentences

Organizers quickly realized it was a misunderstanding—one game had entailed throwing water balloons at an inflatable doll in a test of accuracy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Mr Neal said he had tried to engage with the government to address any misunderstandings or concerns.

Read more on BBC

However, he became disillusioned when his friend became more and more tyrannical, and after a misunderstanding shoots and kills the Hatter.

Read more on Salon

The ambulance service worker was asked why she had not done that, to which she responded: "I don't know why I didn't... it was an error of misunderstanding."

Read more on BBC

“Madison keeps a very busy schedule and, due to a scheduling misunderstanding, did not appear in court this morning,” they shared.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• breach 
• clash 
• conflict 
• difference 
• difficulty 
• disagreement 
• discord 
• dissension 
• feud 
• quarrel 
• rift 
• squabble