misstep
UK: ˌmɪsˈstep | US: ˌmɪsˈstep
n. an unintentional mistake or error in judgment or action
n. a literal stumble or wrong step while walking
The word "misstep" combines the prefix "mis-" (from Old English "mis-," meaning "wrong" or "badly") with the root "step" (from Old English "stæpe," meaning "foot movement"). The prefix "mis-" is commonly used to indicate error or negation (e.g., "misunderstand," "misfortune"), while "step" retains its literal and figurative sense of movement. Together, they form a word that originally described a physical stumble but later expanded to metaphorical blunders.
His careless misstep during the negotiation cost the company the deal.
She recovered quickly after a slight misstep on the uneven path.
The politician’s misstep in his speech led to widespread criticism.
One misstep in the lab could ruin the entire experiment.
The hiker’s misstep sent a few small rocks tumbling down the slope.