mishap

noun

mis·​hap ˈmis-ˌhap 

mis-ˈhap

1

: an unfortunate accident

The fire was a tragic mishap that could have been prevented.

2

: bad luck : misfortune

The ceremony proceeded without mishap.

Synonyms

• accident
• casualty
• mischance

Choose the Right Synonym for mishap

misfortune, mischance, adversity, mishap mean adverse fortune or an instance of this.

misfortune may apply to either the incident or conjunction of events that is the cause of an unhappy change of fortune or to the ensuing state of distress.

never lost hope even in the depths of misfortune

mischance applies especially to a situation involving no more than slight inconvenience or minor annoyance.

took the wrong road by mischance

adversity applies to a state of grave or persistent misfortune.

had never experienced great adversity

mishap applies to an often trivial instance of bad luck.

the usual mishaps of a family vacation

Examples of mishap in a Sentence

We experienced the usual mishaps of a family vacation.

The ceremony proceeded without mishap.

The fire was a tragic mishap that could have been prevented.

Recent Examples on the Web

But the mishap didn't take away from his experience. —Rafael Carranza, The Arizona Republic, 11 Oct. 2024

A week after detailing the mishap, LAM and its employees have been basking in its virality. —Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024

As gays in the know continue to poke fun at these bros, maybe the social media mishap can turn into some mode of discovery for the new Locktober adopters. —Mikelle Street, Them, 9 Oct. 2024

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the mishap, and authorized the Falcon 9 to return to flight for Hera only while the review is still underway. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 7 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

mishap

noun

mis·​hap ˈmis-ˌhap 

mis-ˈhap

1

archaic : bad luck

2

: an unfortunate accident

Etymology

Middle English mishap "bad luck," from mis- "bad, unfavorable" and hap "chance, chance occurrence" — related to happen, happy, perhaps