Miscommunication: meaning, definitions and examples

Occurs when a message is not clearly conveyed or understood, often in formal situations like workplaces or meetings.

• There was a miscommunication about the meeting time, so half the team missed it.

When someone incorrectly interprets what another person has said or intended, often used in everyday conversation and relationships.

• I had a misunderstanding with my friend about our plans for the weekend.

General state of uncertainty or lack of clarity, can occur in any situation where directions or information are not clear.

• The new instructions led to a lot of confusion among the employees.

Informal term often used to describe a situation where things are incorrectly arranged or mistaken for one another, usually minor issues.

• There was a mix-up at the airport, and our bags ended up on the wrong flight.

When there is a failure to convey or understand information correctly, often resulting in confusion or errors.

• There was a miscommunication about the meeting time, so half the team arrived late.
• Miscommunication between departments led to the project's delay.

When there is incorrect comprehension of someone's words or actions, leading to confusion or mistaken beliefs.

• There was a misunderstanding about the deadline, and she thought it was next week instead of tomorrow.
• A simple misunderstanding over a phone call led to unnecessary worry.

When there is a serious disagreement or argument, often involving opposing views or interests, emotions are commonly high.

• The conflict between the two teams escalated until management had to intervene.
• Their long-standing conflict over company policies is affecting their work relationship.

When two or more parties have different opinions or perspectives on a particular issue, leading to a difference of views.

• They had a disagreement about the best approach to the project, but they eventually reached a compromise.
• A minor disagreement about the budget caused a brief delay in planning.