Definition

1. Noun:
   • An instance of misfortune: A minor accident or piece of bad luck that is typically not serious.
   • An unpredictable outcome that is unfortunate: An unlucky or unfortunate event that happens by chance.

Usage

• The word "mishap" is used to describe a minor, often unexpected, accident or unlucky event. It is less severe than words like "disaster" or "catastrophe." It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to downplay the seriousness of an incident.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Our journey went smoothly, apart from a minor mishap with a flat tire.
  • The dinner party was a success despite a small kitchen mishap.
  • He laughed off the mishap and continued with his presentation.

Advanced Usage

• "Without mishap": Successfully, without any problems or accidents.
  • The operation was completed without mishap.
• "Suffer a mishap": To experience a minor accident.
  • The expedition suffered a mishap when their equipment got wet.

Variants and Related Words

• Mishap is the standard noun form. It does not have common verb or adjective forms. Related words include:
  • Misfortune (n): Bad luck; an unfortunate condition or event (often more general or serious than a mishap).
  • Accident (n): An unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally (can be more serious).
  • Misadventure (n): An unfortunate incident; a mishap (often with a slightly literary or formal tone).

Synonyms

• Misfortune
• Accident
• Misadventure
• Setback
• Mischance

Antonyms

• Fortune
• Luck
• Success
• Boon

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "A series of mishaps": A sequence of minor unfortunate events.
  • Their vacation was a comedy of errors, just a series of mishaps.
• "More by mishap than design": Happening more by accident or luck than through planning.
  • The discovery was made more by mishap than design.

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