misstep

noun

mis·​step ˌmis-ˈstep 

1

: a mistake in judgment or action : blunder

2

: a wrong step

Synonyms

• mistake

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

By engaging either operating partners or vetted third-party advisors early in the process, sponsors and management teams can avoid missteps and reduce distractions for finance leaders. —Nate Heeren, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Avoid these missteps and your floors will be shining like new in no time. —Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025

Perhaps the franchise is upset that Reese’s comments pointed out the missteps in the front office’s team-building approach. —Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025

And yet the Dolphins have found a way to remain masters of mediocrity, prolonging the NFL’s longest playoff win drought with a combination of misfortune and missteps. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for misstep

• bicep
• doorstep
• footstep
• instep
• lockstep
• sidestep
• cep
• hep
• pep
• prep
• rep
• sep

Kids Definition

misstep

noun

mis·​step (ˈ)mis-ˈstep 

1

: a wrong step

2

: mistake entry 2 sense 2, blunder