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Definition of misstep

misstep

/ˈmɪs.stɛp/
mis · step
Plural:missteps
•
Past Simple:misstepped
•
Past Participle:misstepped
•
Present Participle:misstepping
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misstep Lexical Profile

misstep Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A mistake, blunder, or error in action, judgment, or conduct.

Example

"The company recovered quickly from its initial marketing misstep."

2

A clumsy or misplaced physical step; a trip or stumble while walking, running, or dancing.

Example

"A single misstep on the narrow mountain trail could cause a hiker to lose balance."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To make an error in judgment or conduct; to blunder.

Example

"The candidate misstepped during the debate by failing to answer the moderator's question directly."

2

To step badly or in the wrong place; to stumble or lose one's footing.

Example

"She misstepped on the uneven cobblestones and nearly twisted her ankle."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for misstep
Antonyms
View all antonyms for misstep

• Nearby Words

misspend
misstate
misstatement
misstep
missus
missy
mist

Word Origin & Etymology

Dating back to Old English missteppan ('to step wrongly'), the word combines the Germanic prefix mis- ('wrongly, amiss') with step.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Misstep. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/misstep
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