noun
misstep
MIHS-stehp
Misstep (noun) means a mistake or poor decision, especially one that damages someone's reputation or plans. Example: “The company's pricing change was a costly misstep.”
noun
1
A mistake or poor decision, especially one that damages someone's reputation or plans.
"The company's pricing change was a costly misstep."
"One misstep in the negotiation nearly cost them the deal."
2
A wrong or clumsy physical step.
"He recovered quickly after a misstep on the icy path."
How to use misstep
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA wrong move — either a literal stumble or a mistake in judgment.
Common pairings
a costly misstep
avoid a misstep
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Word forms
- Plural
- missteps
- Third person singular
- missteps
- Past tense
- misstepped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company's pricing change was a costly _____.
Etymology
From mis- ("wrongly") plus step.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “misstep” mean?
The word “misstep” means a mistake or poor decision, especially one that damages someone's reputation or plans. In plain terms, a wrong move — either a literal stumble or a mistake in judgment.
How do you pronounce “misstep”?
“Misstep” is pronounced MIHS-stehp (/ˈmɪs.stɛp/ in IPA).
How do you use “misstep” in a sentence?
Here is “misstep” used in a sentence: “The company's pricing change was a costly misstep.”
What part of speech is “misstep”?
“Misstep” is a noun.
How many meanings does “misstep” have?
“Misstep” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a mistake or poor decision, especially one that damages someone's reputation or plans.
