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misstep

noun

mis·​step ˌmis-ˈstep How to pronounce misstep (audio)
1
: a mistake in judgment or action : blunder
missteps that led to the project's failure
2
: a wrong step
took a misstep and fell

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Miss Universe organization has been plagued by missteps and scandal this year. Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Nov. 2025 In a separate decision, a federal magistrate cited a pattern of investigative missteps—including potential Fourth Amendment violations, in the grand jury process and said the FBI and prosecutors may have acted recklessly or willfully in ways that undermined the integrity of the proceedings. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2025 The lawsuit also highlights investigative errors, including the use of red Solo cups to store evidence, mislabeled evidence bags and a failure to check nearby security cameras, missteps that the complaint argues undermined the case against Read. Michael Ruiz , Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 19 Nov. 2025 These strategic missteps have been further compounded by near-term headwinds across both segments, some self-inflicted. Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 15 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for misstep

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of misstep was in 1788

Cite this Entry

“Misstep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misstep. Accessed 3 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

misstep

noun
mis·​step (ˈ)mis-ˈstep How to pronounce misstep (audio)
1
: a wrong step
2

More from Merriam-Webster on misstep

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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