contretemps

American  

[kon-truh-tahn, kawntr^uh-tahn] / ˈkɒn trəˌtɑ̃, kɔ̃trəˈtɑ̃ /

noun

plural

contretemps

1. an inopportune occurrence; an embarrassing mischance.

   He caused a minor contretemps by knocking over his drink.

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contretemps British  

/ kɔ̃trətɑ̃, ˈkɒntrəˌtɑːn /

noun

1. an awkward or difficult situation or mishap

2. fencing a feint made with the purpose of producing a counterthrust from one's opponent

3. a small disagreement that is rather embarrassing

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Etymology

Origin of contretemps

1675–85; < French, equivalent to contre- counter- + temps time (< Latin tempus ); perhaps alteration (by folk etymology) of Middle French contrestant, present participle of contrester to oppose; see contrast

Explanation

A contretemps is a badly-timed event or an embarrassing situation. Did you see the outfielders run into each other and the shortstop slip and fall in the mud? Don't laugh — we all have our contretemps. The word contretemps, pronounced "CON-tre-tahn," is French — contre means "against" and temps means "time." A mishap, perhaps caused by bad timing, is one kind of contretemps. Another is an argument or conflict, especially an awkward one. A contretemps can result from a misunderstanding or miscommunication. It's also a term for a blunder in both ballet and fencing.

Example Sentences

Now comes this week’s contretemps over the “Late Show” cancellation of a broadcast interview with Talarico.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 18, 2026

Aston Villa team-mates Anwar El Ghazi and Tyrone Mings' contretemps came in a goalless draw with West Ham.

From BBC • Nov. 24, 2025

When Mr. Wicker and some colleagues threatened to resign, Mr. Sulzberger withdrew the proposed appointment, and the widely publicized contretemps ended with bruised feelings all around.

From New York Times • May 20, 2024

Beyond that contretemps, there is a second possible dispute that may be headed to the court of appeals shortly.

From Slate • Feb. 20, 2024

At the time of the crossroad contretemps, Eugene Hammond of the newly organized Overland Automobile Company of Terre Haute was the motorneer at the wheel of the car.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck