Meaning & Definition of word "Mishap"

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    Mishap

    /ˈmɪs.hæp/

    noun:

    • 1. An unfortunate incident or accident.
      • Example: The picnic ended in a mishap when it started to rain unexpectedly.
    • 2. A minor mistake or error.
      • Example: His only mishap during the presentation was mispronouncing one word.
    • 3. An event that results in damage or injury.
      • Example: The car mishap caused a huge traffic jam on the highway.
    • 4. A situation that is awkward or unfortunate.
      • Example: The mishap of forgetting the birthday cake turned the surprise party into a comedy of errors.

    Etymology

    Middle English, from mis- + hap, meaning 'chance or fate'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    a minor mishap:

    A small or insignificant accident.

    no mishap:

    Everything went smoothly; there were no accidents.

    mishap waiting to happen:

    A situation that is likely to become problematic.

    Related Words

    misfortune:

    An unfortunate condition or event.

    blunder:

    A serious or careless mistake.

    accident:

    An unexpected incident that results in harm.

    Slang Meanings of mishap

    Meaning: mess-up

    Example Sentence: It was just a little mess-up when I spilled coffee on the report.

    Meaning: snafu

    Example Sentence: That snafu at the meeting could have been avoided with better communication.