mishap

noun

mis·​hap ˈmis-ˌhap 

mis-ˈhap

1

: an unfortunate accident

The fire was a tragic mishap that could have been prevented.

2

: bad luck : misfortune

The ceremony proceeded without mishap.

Synonyms

• accident
• casualty
• mischance

Choose the Right Synonym for mishap

misfortune, mischance, adversity, mishap mean adverse fortune or an instance of this.

misfortune may apply to either the incident or conjunction of events that is the cause of an unhappy change of fortune or to the ensuing state of distress.

never lost hope even in the depths of misfortune

mischance applies especially to a situation involving no more than slight inconvenience or minor annoyance.

took the wrong road by mischance

adversity applies to a state of grave or persistent misfortune.

had never experienced great adversity

mishap applies to an often trivial instance of bad luck.

the usual mishaps of a family vacation

Examples of mishap in a Sentence

We experienced the usual mishaps of a family vacation.

The ceremony proceeded without mishap.

The fire was a tragic mishap that could have been prevented.

Recent Examples on the Web

See the photos: Workers install chimney on Sistine Chapel before conclave Use of 2 stoves, chemicals is relatively recent The cardinals' method for creating the smoke evolved into the use of cartridges containing the chemicals after previous mishaps. —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 4 May 2025

When a mishap at the party puts Bella’s life in danger, Edward decides to leave to keep her safe. —Francesca Gariano, People.com, 1 May 2025

However, since 2021, he's made just 25 starts due to two Tommy John surgeries and his lettuce mishap. —Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2025

From awkward silences and Wi-Fi lags to unintentional mute mishaps, there are countless ways virtual conversations can detract from your personal brand. —William Arruda, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mishap

• bandgap
• bitmap
• blackcap
• blackstrap
• bootstrap
• burlap
• claptrap
• entrap
• foolscap
• kidnap
• kneecap
• madcap

Kids Definition

mishap

noun

mis·​hap ˈmis-ˌhap 

mis-ˈhap

1

archaic : bad luck

2

: an unfortunate accident

Etymology

Middle English mishap "bad luck," from mis- "bad, unfavorable" and hap "chance, chance occurrence" — related to happen, happy, perhaps