misadventure

[ mis-uhd-ven-cher ]

noun

1. an instance of bad fortune; mishap.

   Synonyms: catastrophe, calamity, disaster, accident, mischance

misadventure

/ ˌmɪsədˈvɛntʃə /

noun

1. an unlucky event; misfortune
2. law accidental death not due to crime or negligence

Word History and Origins

Origin of misadventure¹

1250–1300; mis- ¹ + adventure; replacing Middle English mesaventure < Old French

Example Sentences

I was thus deeply engaged in what came to be known as the “Forever Wars,” from their start in 2001 in Afghanistan, throughout the tragic misadventure in Iraq, until my retirement from the Navy as NATO commander in 2013.

From Time

Sure, there are the usual misadventures in love, life and adolescence.

From Washington Post

Read more reviews by Stephanie ZacharekTheir trek turns into a shaggy-dog catalog of misadventures, bad judgment and bickering.

From Time

In Alexandra Andrews’ propulsive debut, an ambitious editorial assistant finds herself working for the anonymous writer of a huge bestseller—and in way over her head when a research trip to Morocco turns into a deadly misadventure.

From Time

Now, 56 years later, Robson, 75, has written a book about his misadventure titled “The Crate Escape,” which will be released this month.

From Washington Post

But as it turns out, Brown had his own Latin misadventure, one that may have skirted the law.

From The Daily Beast

Palin's latest misadventure was the defense of Dr. Laura Schlessinger's dropping of the n-bomb 11 times on constitutional grounds.

From The Daily Beast

The explanation is simple enough and ought to satisfy you that the misadventure was unavoidable.

From Project Gutenberg

It is to be hoped that no case of human misadventure at the teeth of Heloderma may happen.

From Project Gutenberg

Through some misadventure, an inadequate guard was detailed to march them to the gaol.

From Project Gutenberg

He reached the road without misadventure and dropped lightly down upon its stone-paved surface.

From Project Gutenberg

He entered the house swearing every species of vengeance on the innocent cause of his misadventure.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• blunder
• misfortune
• woe