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Synonyms

misstep

American  
[mis-step] / mɪsˈstɛp /

noun

  1. a wrong step.

  2. an error or slip in conduct; faux pas.

    Synonyms:
    indiscretion, lapse, transgression, fault

misstep British  
/ ˌmɪsˈstɛp /

noun

  1. a false step

  2. an error

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of misstep

First recorded in 1250–1300, misstep is from the Middle English word missteppen. See mis- 1, step

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Even the slightest misstep made me feel like I was about to careen out of control.

From The Wall Street Journal

There were some great things that came out of that period, and there were some missteps, too — but the missteps were as important as the hits.”

From Salon

Another Plan 2 graduate, Chris Hinchliff said the decision to freeze the repayment threshold was a "misstep" and urged the government to "get on and deal with this" before the next general election.

From BBC

It’s more about the winners and losers, while the stock market is quick to punish any misstep.

From Barron's

They argue that lots of missteps were made by NSW authorities in their search for Cheryl.

From BBC