English Reference
Noun

mishap

n.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈmɪsˌhæp/ UK /mˈɪshæp/ mishap UK spelling mishap's, mishap's

n.a small accident or a mistake that causes a little trouble. It is a more formal way to say 'accident'.

n.a minor accident or an unfortunate incident that causes a small amount of trouble or inconvenience.


SIMPLE

The small mishap did not delay the train.

CONTEXTUAL

The team's victory was almost ruined by a minor mishap during the final minutes of the game.

COMPLEX

While the overall mission was a success, a minor mishap with the satellite's solar panels required an emergency patch to the software before the data could be transmitted.

Mount Fuji, which stands at a height of 3,776m (12,389ft), has been the site of a number of climbing mishaps in recent years.

BBC News· 22 Aug 2026

Etymology 1

From Middle English mishap, myshappe, myssehappe, equivalent to mis- + hap.

Etymology 2

From Middle English mishappen, equivalent to mis- + hap.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English mishap
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated