misstep

noun

mis·​step ˌmis-ˈstep How to pronounce misstep (audio)
1
: a mistake in judgment or action : blunder
2
: a wrong step

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.
For additional guidance on how to use grocery data ethically and avoid missteps, see our recent piece on the ethics of consumer data. Jon Jacobson, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 In either case, take heart: These missteps are completely fixable! Jenny McCoy, SELF, 9 July 2025 However, by the early 2000s, China gained superiority and dominance through missteps by the United States and aggressive strategies of the PRC beginning in the decades prior. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025 The email went out before any public statement from the White House, suggesting an internal misstep that preempted a formal rollout of the nominees. Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 July 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 15 Jul. 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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