What describes the situation when a symbol differs from the intended meaning?

The situation where a symbol differs from the intended meaning is best described as miscommunication. Miscommunication occurs when the transmission of information does not successfully convey the intended message, often due to differences in interpretation or understanding of symbols, language, or context. In this scenario, the symbol—a word, gesture, or representation—fails to align with what the sender wished to communicate, leading to misunderstanding.

When symbols do not match the intended meaning, it can lead to various outcomes, such as confusion, but confusion is more of a symptom or the result of miscommunication rather than a descriptor of the situation itself. Miscommunication directly addresses the breakdown in conveying meaning, making it the most accurate choice.