misunderstanding

/ˌˈmɪsˈʌndərˌstændɪŋ/

/mɪsəndəˈstændɪŋ/

Other forms: misunderstandings

A misunderstanding is what happens when you don't comprehend something correctly. It's also another name for a disagreement, like the misunderstanding you and your sister had about whose turn it was to do the dishes.

The result of not clearly understanding someone or something is a misunderstanding. A misunderstanding between teammates can lead to dropped passes and lost points, and a misunderstanding of the pool rules can get you benched for doing a cannonball in the shallow end. You can also call a minor argument a misunderstanding.

Definitions of misunderstanding

1. noun

   an understanding of something that is not correct
   “there must be some misunderstanding--I don't have a sister”

   synonyms: misapprehension, mistake

   type of:

   misconception

   an incorrect conception
2. noun

   putting the wrong interpretation on
   synonyms: misinterpretation, mistaking

   types:

   imbroglio

   a very embarrassing misunderstanding

   misconstrual, misconstruction

   a kind of misinterpretation resulting from putting a wrong construction on words or actions (often deliberately)

   misreading

   misinterpretation caused by inaccurate reading

   type of:

   interpretation

   an explanation that results from interpreting something
3. noun

   a conflict of people's opinions or actions or characters
   synonyms: disagreement, dissension, dissonance

   types:

   disunity

   lack of unity (usually resulting from dissension)

   divide

   a serious disagreement between two groups of people (typically producing tension or hostility)

   type of:

   conflict

   a state of opposition between persons or ideas or interests