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

"This wasn't a mistake. This wasn't a misunderstanding. This looks like a deliberate decision to collapse the case and curry favour with the regime in China."

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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.

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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

Related Words

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