Word
misunderstanding
Phoneticsmis·un·der·stand·ing, stress on the fourth syllable
US/ˌmɪsəndɝˈstændɪŋ/
UK/mɪsˌʌndəstˈændɪŋ/
Definitions
01a mistake in understanding
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. a failure to understand something correctly, which often leads to a mistake.
n. a failure to interpret or comprehend a statement, situation, or instruction accurately.
“There was a misunderstanding about the meeting time, so I arrived an hour late.”
“The project was delayed due to a fundamental misunderstanding of the client's technical requirements during the initial briefing phase.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02a disagreement
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Formal
n. a small argument or disagreement between people.
n. a minor disagreement or quarrel, often used as a polite euphemism for a conflict.
“The two neighbors had a slight misunderstanding over where the fence should be.”
“The diplomat worked quickly to resolve the misunderstanding between the two departments before it escalated into a public scandal.”
Usage
Often used with the adjectives 'slight', 'minor', or 'unfortunate' to soften the description of a conflict.
Synonyms
Etymology
From Middle English mys undirstonding, equivalent to misunderstand + -ing. Compare Dutch misverstand (“misunderstanding”), German Missverständnis (“misunderstanding”), Swedish missförstånd (“misunderstanding”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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