mischance

noun

mis·​chance ˌmis-ˈchan(t)s How to pronounce mischance (audio)
Synonyms of mischancenext
1
: bad luck
2
: a piece of bad luck : mishap

Synonyms of mischance

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misfortune, mischance, adversity, mishap mean adverse fortune or an instance of this.

misfortune may apply to either the incident or conjunction of events that is the cause of an unhappy change of fortune or to the ensuing state of distress.

never lost hope even in the depths of misfortune

mischance applies especially to a situation involving no more than slight inconvenience or minor annoyance.

took the wrong road by mischance

adversity applies to a state of grave or persistent misfortune.

had never experienced great adversity

mishap applies to an often trivial instance of bad luck.

the usual mishaps of a family vacation

Examples of mischance in a Sentence

two enemies brought together by mischance the smallest mischance could spell disaster for our plan
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Through mischance and rebel defiance, many of these same redcoats had failed to capture the fortress eight months earlier, despite standing at the gates. — / Cbs News, CBS News, 13 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English mischaunce, from Anglo-French meschance, from mes- mis- + chance chance

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mischance was in the 14th century

Rhymes for mischance

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Browse Nearby Words

miscellany
mischance
mischanceful
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Cite this Entry

“Mischance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mischance. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mischance

noun
mis·​chance (ˈ)mis-ˈchan(t)s How to pronounce mischance (audio)
1
: bad luck that is not of a serious nature
2
: a piece of bad luck : mishap

More from Merriam-Webster on mischance

Nglish: Translation of mischance for Spanish Speakers

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