mischance

American  

[mis-chans, -chahns] / mɪsˈtʃæns, -ˈtʃɑns /

noun

1. a mishap or misfortune.

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mischance British  

/ mɪsˈtʃɑːns /

noun

1. bad luck

2. a stroke of bad luck

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Etymology

Origin of mischance

1250–1300; mis- ¹ + chance; replacing Middle English mescheance < Old French

Explanation

Mischance describes a moment of bad luck, like when you have the mischance of slipping on the ice or catching a cold or losing your car keys. A mischance is a mishap or misadventure, or it can be plain old bad luck, like being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The word comes from an Old French word, mescheoir, where mes-, means "adversely" and -cheoir means "befall." A series of mischances might add up to a failed business, a lost Super Bowl, or just a really, really bad day.

Example Sentences

In Geoffrey Chaucer's famous Canterbury Tales, written in the 14th Century, he said: "And on a Friday fell all this mischance".

From BBC • Sep. 12, 2024

Like Paul Stover, many have simply decided not to decide for now, hoping that some combination of age, legal drama or mischance might avert a rematch they dread.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 16, 2024

Much about a buzzy evening served to remind an observer of the role that chance and mischance play in any Hollywood success.

From New York Times • Feb. 27, 2017

Even if Greatest Cities of the World were, by some hideous mischance, to run to 20 series, Griff would be unlikely to make it to Lagos.

From The Guardian • Apr. 30, 2010

"And if by some mischance he does, we will throw him back into die sea. Once you choose a new Warden of the East—" The king groaned.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin