mishap

noun

mis·​hap ˈmis-ˌhap How to pronounce mishap (audio)
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.
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 Last week, a United flight lost a rear tire during takeoff in San Francisco and made an emergency landing in Los Angeles, marking the airline's fourth mishap in one week. Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2024 Middleton also has been accused of Photoshop mishaps with her family's 2023 Christmas card, which also featured her children and Prince William. Greg Norman, Fox News, 11 Mar. 2024 The best-prepared celebs have plans for any kind of mishap, from gown-trodding stains to tears. Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2024 In that time, the video game controller steered sub-vessel had a series of mishaps and was likened to a suicide mission by one of the company’s first customers. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2024 Before reuniting with her Devil Wears Prada co-stars Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt at the 2024 SAG Awards, Meryl Streep had a slight mishap with the microphone. Carly Thomas, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Feb. 2024 Here's how much to expect Check antifreeze, batteries ahead of winter storms To prevent any mishaps during the winter season, drivers must check their engine coolant level, or antifreeze, according to Ruud. Coral Murphy Marcos, The Courier-Journal, 23 Feb. 2024 Jenny Slate is getting candid about her wardrobe mishap at the 2023 Oscars. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 21 Feb. 2024 The chronicled list of medical mishaps is long and alarming. Alain Hunkins, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mishap.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mishap was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near mishap

Cite this Entry

“Mishap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mishap. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

mishap

noun
mis·​hap ˈmis-ˌhap How to pronounce mishap (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on mishap

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