misunderstanding
Americannoun
-
failure to understand correctly; mistake as to meaning or intent.
- Synonyms:
- misconception, error, misapprehension
-
a disagreement or quarrel.
- Synonyms:
- dissension, difficulty, difference, discord
- Antonyms:
- concord
noun
-
a failure to understand properly
-
a disagreement
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.
His lawyers contend they seek to correct a 160-year misunderstanding about the Constitution’s promise that “all persons born” in this country are deemed to be citizens.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026
He had yet to acclimate to his new neighborhood when he was arrested last year in a misunderstanding with the police.
From Slate • Mar. 19, 2026
She missed council payments due to a misunderstanding about which bills her benefits covered.
From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026
A misunderstanding about the impact of AI on software has brought software stocks’ valuations to reasonable levels that are now able to be seen as a function of profit multiple.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026
"You see I'm afraid there's some sort of misunderstanding."
From "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
