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 Words From

• misun·der·standing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of misunderstanding¹

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

Example Sentences

"We can all get into metrics and statistics but if anyone classes Mark Robins' tenure as a failure I would say that suggests a fundamental misunderstanding of what football means to people who love the game and are passionate about their club."

From BBC

There were also reports of an alcohol-fuelled incident while having his medical in France, something Cowan-Dickie puts down to a “misunderstanding”.

From BBC

“Instead, the bill aims to address uncertainty under the current laws and correct a misunderstanding about how the technology works.”

From Salon

Asking if someone is a member is “actually the wrong question,” she said, “based on a misunderstanding about how ideas and social movements work. The NAR is incredibly diffuse by design.”

From Salon

The Biden administration has exacerbated the impact of this misunderstanding, he says, by loosening rules at the U.S.-Mexico border and waving millions of new residents into the country like a friendly crossing guard.

From Slate

Related Words

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