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
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.
Nowadays, other companies want to profit from the potential buzz from a rival’s misstep, too.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026
He was detained for a year, as his attorneys and family were hesitant to post bail, fearing Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention or deportation, a travesty already enough for one misstep.
From Slate • Mar. 19, 2026
Another Plan 2 graduate, Chris Hinchliff said the decision to freeze the repayment threshold was a "misstep" and urged the government to "get on and deal with this" before the next general election.
From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026
It’s more about the winners and losers, while the stock market is quick to punish any misstep.
From Barron's • Feb. 23, 2026
He didn’t fall, but she knew from that misstep that Deydey was ill, that he’d hidden his sickness, and that he was going into the cabin with Neewo, never to return.
From "The Birchbark House" by Louise Erdrich
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.
