mishap

noun

mis·​hap ˈmis-ˌhap How to pronounce mishap (audio)
mis-ˈhap
Synonyms of mishapnext
1
: an unfortunate accident
The fire was a tragic mishap that could have been prevented.
2
: bad luck : misfortune
The ceremony proceeded without mishap.
Choose the Right Synonym for mishap

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 mishap in a Sentence

We experienced the usual mishaps of a family vacation. The ceremony proceeded without mishap. The fire was a tragic mishap that could have been prevented.
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.
Kim has been a strong favorite to win the halfpipe, but a mishap during a training run in Switzerland forced her to stay off her board for two weeks in the run-up to the Games. Reuters, NBC news, 11 Feb. 2026 Despite the mishap, the group continued the walk, honoring both their original message and their injured companions. Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026 To prevent a slippery cutting board mishap, stretch rubber bands around the shorter edges of the board to create traction. Cody Godwin, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026 Use it to wipe down the countertop after a make-up mishap or clean up a tub that's bearing the remnants of your last bath bomb. Heather Bien, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mishap

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mishap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mishap. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

mishap

noun
mis·​hap ˈmis-ˌhap How to pronounce mishap (audio)
mis-ˈhap
1
archaic : bad luck
2
: an unfortunate accident
Etymology

Middle English mishap "bad luck," from mis- "bad, unfavorable" and hap "chance, chance occurrence" — related to happen, happy, perhaps

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