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 of mishap

• accident

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

The series centered on Kerrigan as a comedian heading from New York to Los Angeles for a big career opportunity, only for a cross-country road trip with her boyfriend, played by Felix Levine, to face mishaps and detours. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 2 Nov. 2026

Early in the Brockmans’ relationship, Anna experienced a series of mysterious health mishaps. — Julia Black, Vanity Fair, 2 Nov. 2026

As the guests struggle to keep up appearances, the festivities give way to a string of disasters, comic mishaps and unexpected connections. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026

Cruse Bereavement Support includes sharing favorite memories and funny stories among its remembrance ideas, and the source material notes that holiday mishaps can keep a person’s personality part of the gathering. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mishap

• bandgap
• bitmap
• blackcap
• blackstrap
• bootstrap
• burlap
• claptrap
• entrap
• foolscap
• kidnap
• kneecap
• madcap

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