misstep

[ mis-step ]

noun

1. a wrong step.
2. an error or slip in conduct; faux pas.

   Synonyms: indiscretion, lapse, transgression, fault

misstep

/ ˌmɪsˈstɛp /

noun

1. a false step
2. an error

Word History and Origins

Origin of misstep¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, misstep is from the Middle English word missteppen. See mis- ¹, step

Example Sentences

But her detractors had little patience for any missteps — and Thao made a few.

From Los Angeles Times

But the two also made missteps as administrators and politicians.

From Los Angeles Times

That second word is tricky since, to stars whose missteps come back to haunt them, consequence is coded language for "cancellation."

From Salon

Still, other media organizations, looking at the very same data, held off until Saturday morning before officially declaring Biden the winner, haunted by the memory of past missteps.

From Los Angeles Times

But as that year proved, any small misstep can matter greatly because there is no time to recover.

From Salon

Related Words

• blunder
• error
• failure
• gaffe
• indiscretion
• lapse
• miscue
• slipup
• stumble