misstep

noun

mis·​step ˌmis-ˈstep 

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

Synonyms of misstep

• 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

Here is what dermatologists, estheticians and skincare researchers say about the ingredient, how to choose a formula that suits midlife skin and the missteps that undercut its anti-aging benefits. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Sep. 2026

His dismissal wasn’t so much the result of one outburst or misstep, the person told The Times, but the culmination of a season’s worth of issues that boiled over in the wake of the Nebraska loss. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

These missteps offer insights for the Meta settlement spending. — Susan Morrisey, STAT, 15 Sep. 2026

Manning’s public misstep and ensuing apology are notable for one of college football’s most prominent players. — Jim Vertuno, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for misstep

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

Kids Definition

misstep

noun

mis·​step (ˈ)mis-ˈstep 

1

: a wrong step

2

: mistake entry 2 sense 2, blunder