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
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But both the allusion to the fictional character and the marketing misstep were unfortunate. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2026 The losing record will cause many to believe the rebuild is behind schedule, but a closer look shows that the Bulldogs were a few bad bounces and missteps away from an eight-win season. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2026 As long as companies insist on taking a more edgy approach to their branding, such missteps are all but inevitable. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The costume misstep happened as Target’s sales have started rebounding from earlier company moves that alienated some customers and from a perception the quality of its stores and merchandise had declined. — Nancy Jiang, Fortune, 26 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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