What does misadventure mean?
A misadventure is an unfortunate or unexpectedly awkward event, often involving a failed plan, an amusing mishap, or a series of mistakes. The word is more forceful than “mishap” and can describe the whole mishap-filled experience rather than one isolated incident. It commonly carries a light, narrative, or humorous tone, especially when the consequences are minor and the speaker can see the absurdity of what happened. For example, losing a reservation, taking the wrong train, or being caught in unexpected weather might be described as a misadventure. In formal reporting, the word may simply denote an unfortunate occurrence, although its sound often introduces a degree of narrative colour. It comes from a French formation meaning a bad or unfortunate venture and preserves the original idea of an undertaking that unfolds badly. Despite its somewhat literary character, misadventure is readily understood in British and American English and is especially useful for recounting ill-fated plans with a mixture of precision and humour.
nounAn unfortunate, often unexpected, and usually minor event or experience. The word is more emphatic than “mishap” and can imply a chain of missteps or an adventure that has gone wrong.
- An unfortunate, unexpected, and often amusing event involving mishaps, errors, or adverse circumstances.
"A weekend hiking trip became a comic misadventure when the map proved to be several miles out of date."
"The lost keys and rain-soaked tickets turned their journey into a minor misadventure."
"The novel recounts the young protagonist’s latest misadventure with an eccentric inventor."
The plural is used for separate unfortunate events or for a series of mishaps forming one ill-fated experience.
"The journey was marked by several misadventures, including a flat tyre and a delayed train."
Misadventure turns the promise of “adventure” into a story whose map, plan, or good intentions have all gone sideways.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does misadventure come from?
The word entered English in the 16th century from French mésaventure, meaning an unfortunate adventure or event. French mésaventure combines més-, associated with bad or wrong, with aventure, “venture” or “chance,” which in turn comes from Latin adventura. The word belongs to the same root as adventure, venture, and adventurous, but its prefix-like first element distinguishes an unlucky turn of events from an ordinary undertaking.
Related word forms
How misadventure is actually used
The term has a mildly literary or humorous tone. It often suggests a mishap that is more disruptive than a trivial inconvenience, but is generally less severe than a major disaster.
Easily confused with misadventure
A mishap is usually a single minor accident or error, whereas a misadventure often suggests an event or series of events marked by general misfortune.
An adventure is an unusual or exciting experience, while a misadventure is an undertaking or experience that results in unfortunate or unintended consequences.