Not sure about whether this is a Mac issue or a Word issue specifically, though what you describe seems to indicate a corruption of some sort (missing/damaged file, including one or more preference files). The first thing that comes to mind is to remove Office completely (see this Microsoft article), restart your Mac, and then re-run the latest package for your particular Mac. If you're on Ventura or earlier, you'll have to track down the last supported package for that OS, assuming this is isolated to Word.
If the issue still occurs after your clean install of Office, it's almost certainly a problem with the OS and/or print driver. So, what you should do is run a Disk First Aid to check your storage integrity; and then do a Software Update to fetch the latest OS build and any drivers it comes with. Otherwise, those drivers might also be on your printer maker's support site. Note that some printer makers (like HP) might not have drivers if the printer is older and the underlying OS has been retired.
Failing that, you can try resetting your printing preferences (procedures vary by OS) or reinstall the most current OS that your Mac supports, with the latter option being the worst-case scenario.
Good luck,
Nate