amiss

adverb

\ ə-ˈmis

Definition of amiss

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : in a mistaken way : wrongly If you think he is guilty, you judge amiss.

b : astray Something had gone amiss.

2 : in a faulty way : imperfectly practiced more so as not to play the piece amiss

amiss

adjective

Definition of amiss (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : not being in accordance with right order

2 : faulty, imperfect There's nothing/something amiss with the engine.

3 : out of place in given circumstances —usually used with a negative A few remarks may not be amiss here.

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about amiss

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of amiss in a Sentence

Adverb

I hope that my suggestion that you might be more comfortable in a larger chair was not taken amiss. the reenactment of the Wright Brothers' first flight went amiss when the wind died on the makeshift runway and the plane stopped short in a mud puddle

Adjective

Some of his assumptions are amiss. The doctor's examination showed that nothing was amiss.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

This connectivity can provide a sense of brain organization, and there's a growing body of evidence that this organization goes amiss in those with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. — Diana Gitig, Ars Technica, "Inflammation is bad, including for those in the womb," 12 Apr. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

In other words, Ochi and others contend that if something is indeed amiss in Harvard’s admissions office, the source of the problem is implicit bias. — Alia Wong, The Atlantic, "Harvard's Impossible Personality Test," 19 June 2018 For many, the incident revealed that something was amiss in Clay County government. — Kelsey Ryan, kansascity, "Record tampering, retaliation, $600 coffeepots. What's going on in Clay Co. government?," 11 June 2018 Then next morning, something’s amiss in the pristine white corporate palace that is Axe Capital. — refinery29.com, "Billions Season 3 Finale Recap: "The Death Zone"," 11 June 2018 Most years, the Democratic super-majority in both chambers can — and does — override any vetoes lawmakers think are amiss, ensuring the spending or policy change becomes law. — Joshua Miller And Matt Stout, BostonGlobe.com, "Mass. Legislature could strengthen Charlie Baker’s hand with budget delay," 12 July 2018 When South Australia suffered blackouts in the summer of 2006, politicians began to realize something was amiss. — George Melloan, WSJ, "Pruitt Leaves a Proud Legacy at the EPA," 11 July 2018 Adding to that palpable sense that something’s amiss is diminutive Charlie (Milly Shapiro), who walks around in a dazed state, crafting macabre puppets (sometimes with dead animal parts). — Carl Kelsch, Marie Claire, "The New Horror Film 'Hereditary' Might Be This Year's 'Get Out'," 8 June 2018 Just as the frog begins to suspect there is something seriously amiss, along comes a reason to think his pond is just a bit warmer than normal. — The Economist, "Donald Trump’s powers are not quite as vast as his lawyers claim," 7 June 2018 Melania’s semi-public appearance is unlikely to squash speculation that there’s something amiss with the first lady. — Margaret Hartmann, Daily Intelligencer, "Melania to Make (Sort Of) Public Appearance for First Time in 25 Days," 4 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'amiss.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.