1
: an unfortunate accident
The fire was a tragic mishap that could have been prevented.
2
: bad luck : misfortune
The ceremony proceeded without mishap.
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
Modern Family ran for 11 seasons from 2009 to 2020 and followed the lives, relationships and hilarious mishaps of three different families within one big family.
—
Topher Gauk-Roger, Peoplemag, 19 Nov. 2023
The mishap took place on November 1 while astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara were on their first spacewalk outside the ISS.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Nov. 2023
The staging had shortcomings and mishaps, but in the character of Caitlyn (played by Jacqueline Misaye), McNulty found some interesting layers.
—Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2023
More accurately, the unfortunate (now demised) tree roses had mishaps with me.
—Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Oct. 2023
Grateful for the wonderful memories, the mistakes and mishaps, and all the miracles along the way.
—Erin Clements, Peoplemag, 7 Nov. 2023
When Rainey’s Barbie has a wardrobe mishap, Charlene’s seamstress whips up a white silk miniature version of the traditional Vietnamese dress.
—Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2023
Any major brand in the game long enough, soda or otherwise, will suffer some missteps and mishaps.
—Jamie Bryan, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2023
Though Roos was interrupted by an AV mishap when the screens used to show the jurors the evidence briefly went out in the middle row, the closing argument was smooth.
—Elizabeth Lopatto, The Verge, 2 Nov. 2023
See More
Topher Gauk-Roger, Peoplemag, 19 Nov. 2023
The mishap took place on November 1 while astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara were on their first spacewalk outside the ISS.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Nov. 2023
The staging had shortcomings and mishaps, but in the character of Caitlyn (played by Jacqueline Misaye), McNulty found some interesting layers.
—Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2023
More accurately, the unfortunate (now demised) tree roses had mishaps with me.
—Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Oct. 2023
Grateful for the wonderful memories, the mistakes and mishaps, and all the miracles along the way.
—Erin Clements, Peoplemag, 7 Nov. 2023
When Rainey’s Barbie has a wardrobe mishap, Charlene’s seamstress whips up a white silk miniature version of the traditional Vietnamese dress.
—Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2023
Any major brand in the game long enough, soda or otherwise, will suffer some missteps and mishaps.
—Jamie Bryan, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2023
Though Roos was interrupted by an AV mishap when the screens used to show the jurors the evidence briefly went out in the middle row, the closing argument was smooth.
—Elizabeth Lopatto, The Verge, 2 Nov. 2023
See More
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
Articles Related to mishap
Dictionary Entries Near mishap
Cite this Entry
“Mishap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mishap. Accessed 29 Nov. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on mishap
Nglish: Translation of mishap for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of mishap for Arabic Speakers
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