plural mistakes
: something that is not correct : a wrong action, statement, or judgment : error
It would be a mistake to assume that we can rely on their help.
There must be some mistake.
a stupid/careless mistake
a costly/serious/bad mistake
a deadly/fatal/tragic mistake
The manuscript contains numerous spelling mistakes.
There's a mistake in the schedule.
"When does the movie start?" "At 8:00. No, wait—my mistake —it starts at 8:30."
Don't worry about it. It was an honest mistake. [=something that anyone could be wrong about]
—often used with makeEverybody makes mistakes from time to time.
I made the mistake of believing her.
mistakes; mistook
məˈstʊk
; mistaken
məˈsteɪkən
; mistaking
1
: to understand (something or someone) incorrectly
They mistook my meaning.
2
: to make a wrong judgment about (something)
The army's leaders mistook the strength of the enemy. [=they did not realize how strong the enemy was]
Note: If you say there is no mistaking something, it is very clear or obvious.
3
: to identify (someone or something) incorrectly
—usually + for
I mistook him for his brother. [=I thought that he was his brother]
Cite this Entry
“Mistake.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/mistake. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.
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