misstep

/ˈmɪs.stɛp/

MꞮS · stɛp (2 syllables)

English Noun Top 35,738

Definition

A step that is wrong, a false step.

From mis- + step.

"On a high ledge, a misstep could be fatal."
"[…] burdened as he was, he did not think of length or height or toil. He remembered only to avoid a misstep and to keep his direction."
"His comment was a misstep that could cost him dearly."