mishap
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/ˈmɪs.hæp/
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An unlucky accident or unexpected problem, with an older sense of bad luck or misfortune itself.
Examples
The presentation started late after a technical mishap.
They blamed their losses on mishap, not poor judgment.
The poem treats mishap as a force that turns plans aside.
The first test flight ended without mishap.
The parade went ahead despite a few minor mishaps.
Similar words
mistake
misadventure
ill luck
bad luck
misfortune
glitch
incident
ill fortune
slip
blunder
Meanings
Examples
A small mishap in the kitchen delayed dinner.
The parade went ahead despite a few minor mishaps.
No one was hurt in the mishap at the workshop.
The presentation started late after a technical mishap.
She laughed about the travel mishap once she reached the hotel.
The first test flight ended without mishap.
A paperwork mishap sent the package to the wrong address.
Similar words
accident
incident
mistake
blunder
misadventure
setback
slip
glitch
Examples
The old tale says mishap followed the sailors home.
He spoke of mishap as if it were a shadow over the family.
In that chronicle, mishap means ill fortune more than a single accident.
The poem treats mishap as a force that turns plans aside.
Her letter uses mishap in the older sense of bad luck.
They blamed their losses on mishap, not poor judgment.
The word mishap once carried a stronger sense of misfortune.
Similar words
bad luck
misfortune
ill luck
mischance
adversity
ill fortune
Etymology
From Middle English mishap, built from mis- meaning bad or wrong and hap meaning chance or luck, probably influenced by Old French mescheance.
FAQ
Mishap means an unlucky accident, mistake, or unexpected problem.
No. Mishap is a noun, so say that someone had a mishap rather than that someone mishapped.
Can mishap mean bad luck?
Yes, but that sense is now rare. Modern English usually uses mishap for the unlucky event itself.
Is a mishap always minor?
It is often minor or not disastrous, but context can make a mishap more serious.
What is the plural of mishap?
What is the origin of mishap?
It comes from Middle English, built from mis- meaning bad or wrong and hap meaning chance or luck.
What are synonyms of mishap?
Common synonyms include accident, incident, blunder, misadventure, setback, and glitch.
What is the opposite of mishap?
Useful opposites include success, good luck, and good fortune, depending on the sentence.
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