What does mishap mean?
A mishap is an unexpected accident or unfortunate event, usually one that causes minor damage, delay, inconvenience, or embarrassment. The word commonly suggests a negative development that is relatively easy to recover from: a dropped device, missed connection, or unexpected technical fault may all be described as mishaps. In formal contexts, it can sound more measured and less emotionally charged than words such as “disaster” or “catastrophe.” “Minor mishap” is especially common, while “without mishap” means that something happened successfully or smoothly, as in a journey completed without mishap. Related to the older sense of bad luck, the word is now primarily used for concrete accidents and unexpected problems, though it can also refer to a careless or ill-fated error. Its combination of “mis-” and “hap” preserves the sense of misfortune or an unfortunate turn of events.
nounAn unexpected accident or mishap that is usually minor and results in damage, disruption, or inconvenience.
- An unexpected accident, error, or unfortunate event, typically minor and inconsequential.
"A minor electrical mishap delayed the start of the performance."
"A small mishap in the kitchen left flour scattered across the floor."
"Apart from a few minor mishaps, the expedition was a complete success."
The regular plural is “mishaps.”
"The journey was marked by several minor mishaps."
A mishap began as a piece of bad luck: it combines “mis-” with “hap,” an old word for fortune or chance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mishap come from?
Mishap combines the prefix “mis-” with “hap,” an Old English word associated with chance, luck, or fortune. The compound originally conveyed bad luck or misfortune before developing its modern sense of an accidental unfortunate event. Its root is also reflected in words such as “happen,” “happy,” and “hap,” all connected with ideas of chance or fortune.
Related word forms
How mishap is actually used
Generally neutral to mildly formal. It usually describes an accident or error that is unfortunate but not serious, though it can occasionally refer to a more damaging event.
Easily confused with mishap
A mishap is generally an accident or unfortunate event, whereas a misstep is usually an error or inappropriate action.