misstep
Americannoun
-
a wrong step.
-
an error or slip in conduct; faux pas.
- Synonyms:
- indiscretion, lapse, transgression, fault
noun
-
a false step
-
an error
Etymology
Origin of misstep
First recorded in 1250–1300, misstep is from the Middle English word missteppen. See mis- 1, step
Explanation
An accidental blunder or mistake is a misstep. Companies can be quick to save money by firing workers, even if economists say the decision is a possible misstep. Misstep began as a verb, from the 14th-century missteppen, "to step wrongly." Around 1800 the word started being used as a noun with the figurative meaning of "faux pas" or "blunder." You can make a misstep in so many ways: by wearing a tie-dyed T-shirt to a formal wedding, by confusing salt for sugar when you're baking a cake, or by gossiping about someone who's standing behind you.
Vocabulary lists containing misstep
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.
That imbalance is precisely why “Supergirl” being a flagrant misstep is such a disappointment.
From Salon • Jun. 27, 2026
That now looks a colossal misstep from the Scottish champions, given the bargain McGinn has proved to be south of the border.
From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026
Critics say the prime minister has swerved from one policy misstep to another during his 22 months at the helm.
From Barron's • May 14, 2026
The effect instead is one of claustrophobia, an especially embarrassing misstep when it comes to a work about liberation.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026
Courtney is able to make the initial misstep of Cheryl Moody’s—going off with Brandon—fathomable.
From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove
Definitions 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.
