What does miscue mean?
Miscue means a mistake in which someone interprets a signal, situation, or intention incorrectly, or makes a poor choice as a result. It can also refer to a failure to strike or handle something accurately, particularly in golf. The word carries a sense of error that is usually apparent after the event: the person involved may have acted confidently but misread the cues or chose the wrong approach. In general writing, “miscue” often suggests a consequential misjudgment, though it can be used more neutrally for an ordinary mistake. It is useful when the focus is on a mistaken interpretation rather than carelessness or ignorance, as in “a miscue in scheduling” or “a miscue during the performance.”
A mistake caused by misinterpreting a signal, situation, or intention, or by making an incorrect choice.
"The warning was overlooked in what turned out to be a major miscue."
Often used when an error reflects a mistaken reading of circumstances or a bad decision rather than simple carelessness.
To misinterpret or mishandle a signal, situation, or intended action; to make a mistake in selecting or performing something.
"The team miscueed the play and failed to score."
In golf, the verb means to strike the ball poorly, especially with a putt.
The noun is countable and commonly takes a plural in the form 'miscues'.
"The director corrected several miscues before the final performance."
Sometimes one small wrong cue can send an entire performance off course.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does miscue come from?
Miscue is formed in English from the prefix mis-, meaning incorrectly or wrongly, and cue. Cue entered Middle English from Old French cue, ultimately from Latin causa in the sense of a hint or indication; related words include queue and accuse. The combination miscue developed in the modern period to express an incorrect cue or a mistake in judgment.
Related word forms
How miscue is actually used
The word is formal to neutral in general use and is especially common in discussion of judgment, interpretation, performance, and sports. In golf, a miscue specifically means striking the ball poorly, often causing it to travel a shorter distance than intended.
Easily confused with miscue
A cue is a signal or indication to act, whereas a miscue is a mistake made while interpreting or responding to a signal.
A miscast is an incorrectly assigned role or a bad casting choice, while a miscue is a mistake in judgment, interpretation, or execution.