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.
I feel like there’s a misunderstanding of them, of where they come from or things they’ve been through that contribute to the way they are.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026
“The claims in this lawsuit are meritless and reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of basic, well-established scientific principles regarding how calories are determined under U.S. nutrition-labeling standards for ingredients like EPG,” Rahal said in a statement.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026
The expert said: "The idea of a heroic march is a Victorian invention that has shaped our understanding, or misunderstanding, of 1066 for far too long."
From BBC • Mar. 21, 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
But it was a misunderstanding, though unintentional, like a painting erroneously attributed to a master.
From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman
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.
