misstep

noun

mis·​step ˌmis-ˈstep How to pronounce misstep (audio)
Synonyms of misstepnext
1
: a mistake in judgment or action : blunder
missteps that led to the project's failure
2
: a wrong step
took a misstep and fell

Synonyms of misstep

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Examples of misstep in a Sentence

Their decision to relocate the company was a major misstep. another misstep like that, and the company could go belly-up
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Somehow that one huge misstep isn’t enough to sink this compelling series—a tribute to the power of the core story. — ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026 Advertisement Internal missteps have only tightened external bottlenecks. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 20 Oct. 2026 When Weiss and her aides shift coverage closer to Israel’s point of view, their actions promptly leak to outlets like the Guardian and Status, the daily media newsletter that has relentlessly chronicled Weiss’ real and perceived missteps. — semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026 This seemed at the time like the biggest misstep of Stearns’ tenure, as the Brewers faded afterward and missed the playoffs. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for misstep

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of misstep was in 1788

Rhymes for misstep

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Browse Nearby Words

misstatement
misstep
miss the boat
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Cite this Entry

“Misstep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misstep. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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