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

Young Washington stars William Franklyn-Miller as Washington, which examines how a single misstep thrusts the future first president into the middle of a global conflict. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Any misstep in public can now be filmed and shared without context. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026

The shocking lack of answers does not appear to be for a lack of resources, rather it highlights perceived investigative missteps along the way. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 8 Aug. 2026

This is a recipe for potential chaos and could lead to dangerous missteps during the careful dance of coordinating a leadership transition. — Julian G. Waller, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 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