What does amiss mean?
Amiss describes something that is not right — wrong, faulty, or out of keeping with what is expected. It functions mainly as an adverb, most often following the verb go, as in "nothing went amiss," and also as a predicative adjective, as in "she sensed something was amiss." The word carries a tone of quiet detection rather than loud accusation; speakers use it when they perceive a problem they cannot yet name. It also appears in set expressions such as "take something amiss," meaning to be offended by a remark. Derived from Old Norse, where it meant literally "at fault," amiss has been part of English since the Middle Ages and remains a compact, slightly formal alternative to "wrong" or "off." Its usefulness lies in its understatement: saying something is amiss signals trouble without specifying it, making the word a favourite of narrators and careful observers alike.
Not quite right or appropriate; wrongly or out of order.
"Nothing went amiss at the reception."
Almost always used post-verbally, especially with go or come.
Wrong, faulty, or inappropriate.
"She could tell something was amiss before anyone spoke."
Predicative only; it does not appear before nouns.
"Amiss" comes from an Old Norse phrase literally meaning "at fault" — so when something is amiss, you are speaking the language of Viking-age blame.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does amiss come from?
Amiss entered English from Old Norse, specifically the phrase á mis, meaning literally "at fault" or "in error"; mis was a Norse noun denoting blame or wrongdoing. It was adopted into English during the medieval period and has retained its core sense of being wrong or out of order ever since. It is related to other words formed on the same Norse/Germanic root of error and failure, such as mistake and miss.
How amiss is actually used
Formal to neutral register. As an adverb it appears almost exclusively after verbs (go amiss, take it amiss); as an adjective it is used only predicatively (something was amiss), never attributively. Common in British and American English alike.
Easily confused with amiss
"Remiss" means negligent or careless in one's duty, whereas "amiss" means wrong, faulty, or out of place.