Definition

Noun: 1. An unintentional but embarrassing mistake or blunder, often a social or tactical error. A misstep is a wrong step, either literal or figurative, that causes a minor failure or awkward situation. It implies a lapse in judgment or a clumsy action.

Usage

The word "misstep" is used to describe an error that is noticeable and often causes embarrassment or a setback, but is typically not catastrophic. It is commonly applied to social situations, career decisions, or public actions.

Examples

• His offensive joke at the meeting was a major misstep that damaged his reputation.
• The company's misstep in pricing the new product led to poor initial sales.
• After one political misstep, the candidate fell in the polls.
• She recovered gracefully from her misstep on the dance floor.

Advanced Usage

• "To make a misstep": This is the most common collocation, emphasizing the action of committing the error.
  • The CEO made a serious misstep by ignoring the market research.
• "A costly misstep": Highlights that the error had significant negative consequences.
  • Failing to secure the patent was a costly misstep for the startup.

Variants and Related Words

• Misstep functions solely as a noun. There is no direct verb form "to misstep" in common usage; the action is described with phrases like "to make a misstep" or "to take a misstep."
• Stumble (n.): Can be a close synonym for a literal misstep or a minor error.
• Trip (n.): Often used interchangeably with "misstep" for a literal physical error in stepping.
• Blunder (n.): A more serious or stupid mistake.
• Faux pas (n.): A synonym specifically for a social blunder or breach of etiquette.

Synonyms

• Blunder
• Faux pas
• Slip
• Stumble
• Error
• Gaffe
• Trip (literal)

Antonyms

• Success
• Triumph
• Correct move
• Prudent action

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "A false step": A direct synonym for "misstep," often used in formal or literary contexts.
  • His first false step was trusting the wrong advisor.

Noun

1. an unintentional but embarrassing blunder
   • he recited the whole poem without a single trip
   • he arranged his robes to avoid a trip-up later
   • confusion caused his unfortunate misstep