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

Use it to wipe down the countertop after a make-up mishap or clean up a tub that’s bearing the remnants of your last bath bomb. — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2026

However, the primaries were also marked by several mistakes or mishaps from area election boards responsible for administering local elections in both states. — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 7 Aug. 2026

Drivers should always take caution when operating an unfamiliar vehicle to avoid mishaps and achieve optimal performance, especially with unfamiliar powertrains (hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EVs). — Charles Singh, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026

User error can cause costly mishaps, the most common of which is fire. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Aug. 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