misstep

noun

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mis·step | \ ˌmis-ˈstep

Definition of misstep

1 : a mistake in judgment or action : blunder

2 : a wrong step

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about misstep

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Examples of misstep in a Sentence

Their decision to relocate the company was a major misstep. another misstep like that, and the company could go belly-up

Recent Examples on the Web Unfortunately for Jackie, ADA Decourcy Ward is onto his adversary’s latest misstep. — Christopher Rosa, Glamour, "9 TV Shows and Movies Debuting This Week—Including Stabler's Law & Order Spin-Off," 28 Mar. 2021 Beijing’s reputation took an additional hit in Peru, after exporting cheap, unreliable Covid tests that became an early misstep in the country’s efforts to rein in contagion. — New York Times, "Brazil Needs Vaccines. China Is Benefiting.," 15 Mar. 2021 Despite a promising start, the vaccine program, which is partnered with the U.K.’s Oxford University, has been one misstep after another, almost all self-inflicted. — Adam Feuerstein, STAT, "Rooting for the home team: British journalist weighs in on U.K. vs. U.S. vaccine response," 14 Mar. 2021 In this industry, one misstep by a skilled security team could result in millions of dollars in losses for a company and its customers, not to mention embarrassing headlines, costly fines and brand damage that could last decades. — Daniel Woods, Forbes, "For Telcos, There’s An Inherent Cybersecurity Risk In Just Doing Business," 10 Mar. 2021 When asked if her language represented a policy shift, Psaki quickly walked back her misstep. — Naomi Lim, Washington Examiner, "Don’t say 'crisis': Biden team complicates border drama by refusing to utter dreaded word," 20 Mar. 2021 But announcing the termination before a formal internal affairs investigation could have resulted in a serious misstep under Civil Service rules. — Cassandra Jaramillo, Dallas News, "Dallas police officer Bryan Riser is fired after internal investigation following accusations of capital murder," 9 Mar. 2021 In a rare misstep, the city planted Aleppo pines in 1963 to replace the original ash trees. — Douglas C. Towne, The Arizona Republic, "Murphy’s Bridle Path: The history of Phoenix’s former equestrian promenade," 5 Mar. 2021 If all goes well, Davis could return March 18 — four weeks after Davis’ misstep against Denver. — Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, "LeBron James stays fresh: 5 takeaways from the rout of Golden State," 1 Mar. 2021

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

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Dictionary Entries near misstep

miss the forest for the trees

misstrike

misstruck

Statistics for misstep

Last Updated

4 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Misstep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misstep. Accessed 12 Apr. 2021.

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More Definitions for misstep

misstep

noun

English Language Learners Definition of misstep

chiefly US : an action or decision that is a mistake

See the full definition for misstep in the English Language Learners Dictionary

misstep

noun

mis·step | \ mis-ˈstep

Kids Definition of misstep

1 : a wrong movement I … didn't dare go near the stream for fear of making a misstep and falling in …— Jean Craighead George, My Side of the Mountain

2 : mistake entry 2 sense 2, slip

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