misadventure
Americannoun
noun
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an unlucky event; misfortune
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law accidental death not due to crime or negligence
Etymology
Origin of misadventure
1250–1300; mis- 1 + adventure; replacing Middle English mesaventure < Old French
Explanation
Ever climb a ladder and then, when you’re at the top, the ladder tips over, leaving you stranded up there? That’s the start of a misadventure, an unfortunate situation that happens because of bad luck. Kids are always having misadventures. Falling into a pit of mud, getting stuck between slats in a fence, a monkey stealing the shirt off your back: all classic misadventures. The word is rooted in the French word mesaventure, which translates to “turn out badly.” Some misadventures are only embarrassing, while others are exhausting and sad. The worst part? You can’t prevent a misadventure, because they happen by chance.
Vocabulary lists containing misadventure
Power Prefix: mis-
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"The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet," Vocabulary from Act 1
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Selected Short Stories of H.G. Wells
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Sato told the news outlet he was now staying with a relative and, despite his recent misadventure, was planning his next sailing trip, to the Philippines.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026
A coroner concluded his death was a result of misadventure.
From BBC ● Jun. 20, 2026
Before diving into the 5th Circuit’s latest misadventure, it’s worth lingering on the sheer scale of its losing streak.
From Slate ● Jun. 12, 2026
The 18th century teemed with picaresque tales of comic misadventure.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 9, 2026
Drave required a warehouse to store his powder and chemicals, and Lazlo saw to it that he had one—outside the city, in case of fiery misadventure.
From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
