misstep

noun

mis·​step ˌmis-ˈstep How to pronounce misstep (audio)
1
: a mistake in judgment or action : blunder
2
: a wrong step

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.
High-profile missteps, like Macy’s $151 million in false bookkeeping entries, have made headlines and can erode investor confidence. William Tarr, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025 The Inspector General's report notes missteps that created poor customer service. Joseph Shapiro, NPR, 17 July 2025 The only real missteps of the night were his baffling decision to play the theme songs to both the 2017 Captain Underpants movie and the 2016 Disney show Milo Murphy’s Law. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 13 July 2025 Out, Then Back In The most glaring misstep of the tournament was ticket pricing. Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Misstep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misstep. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

misstep

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

More from Merriam-Webster on misstep

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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