misunderstanding
misunderstanding Lexical Profile
• noun
A failure to understand something correctly, or an instance of misinterpreting someone's words, actions, or intentions.
"The scheduling error was simply the result of a minor misunderstanding between the two departments."
A slight disagreement, quarrel, or rift between people arising from a failure to communicate clearly.
"After a brief misunderstanding over the contract terms, the two business partners reconciled and signed the deal."
• verb
To fail to interpret or understand someone or something correctly (present participle of misunderstand).
"Realizing that the audience was misunderstanding her main point, the speaker paused to clarify the data."
• Rhymes for misunderstanding
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in Middle English from the verb 'misunderstand' (Combining the Old English prefix 'mis-', meaning 'badly' or 'wrongly', with 'understandan', meaning 'to comprehend') plus the verbal noun and participial suffix '-ing'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.