misstep

noun

mis·​step ˌmis-ˈstep How to pronounce misstep (audio)
Synonyms of misstepnext
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.
Analyze the missteps to determine what was a bad process, bad results, or just bad luck. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026 The charm of these biographies, however, lies in their authenticity – the small spelling missteps and unpolished phrasing that reflect genuine middle school voices. Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026 On Thursday, however, Anthropic went further, publishing a detailed engineering post acknowledging that three separate engineering missteps were behind the performance issue. Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026 Rethink your cleanser Over-cleansing is a common misstep that can quietly undermine an otherwise strong skincare routine. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Misstep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misstep. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

misstep

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

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