Definition

Noun: 1. An instance of misfortune; a piece of bad luck. It refers to a single unfortunate event or accident. 2. An unpredictable outcome that is unfortunate. It describes an unlucky result that happens by chance.

Usage

The word "mischance" is a formal or literary term for bad luck or an unlucky event. It often implies that the misfortune is minor or accidental, not a major tragedy. It is typically used as a countable noun.

Examples

• Noun:
  • A series of mischances delayed our journey.
  • He lost his job through no fault of his own, but by sheer mischance.
  • By some cruel mischance, the letter arrived the day after she left.

Advanced Usage

• "by mischance": by accident; as a result of bad luck.
  • The document was destroyed by mischance.
• The concept is often used to contrast with deliberate action or major disaster, highlighting the role of random chance in the misfortune.

Variants and Related Words

• Mishap (n): A minor unlucky accident or incident. (Often considered slightly less formal than ).
• Misfortune (n): Bad luck; an unfortunate condition or event. (Can be broader and more severe than ).

Synonyms

• Accident: An unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly.
• Mishap: An unlucky accident.
• Misfortune: Bad luck.
• Fluke (informal): An unlikely chance occurrence, especially a surprising piece of luck (can be positive or negative).

Antonyms

• Fortune: Good luck; success.
• Luck: Success or failure brought by chance.
• Windfall: An unexpected piece of good fortune.

Idioms and Phrases

• "a twist of mischance": A phrase describing an unexpected turn of bad luck.
  • A final twist of mischance saw him miss the winning goal.

Noun

1. an instance of misfortune
2. an unpredictable outcome that is unfortunate
   • if I didn't have bad luck I wouldn't have any luck at all