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

Initially, both teams looked to be treading carefully, wary of a misstep now in the knockout stage. — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 30 June 2026

The moment added to a string of small but visible missteps that have defined parts of the 16-day fair’s early run. — Mike Stunson, USA Today, 30 June 2026

The extended turf is designed to reduce the risk of players suffering injuries from any type of misstep. — Shaun Goodwin june 29, Idaho Statesman, 29 June 2026

Starmer is leaving after two years in office marred by missteps and judgment errors that eroded his standing with his party and the public. — Alastair Grant, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 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