missteps
Errors in judgment
Missteps are errors in judgment or conduct—wrong moves that lead to trouble.
The word evokes someone literally stepping wrong and stumbling: A few missteps early in her career cost her the promotion.
Missteps tend to be minor blunders rather than catastrophic failures, though they can accumulate: The administration's missteps on foreign policy eroded public trust.
Handle with clumsy fingers
- botchSpoil through incompetence
- bungleFail through clumsiness
- flubClumsy error
- gaffeClumsy social error
screwup · goof · mishandle · err · fiasco · debacle · flounder · ineptitude
Lose footing momentarily
- tripPlanned travel somewhere
- slipMinor error or misstep
- fallDescend under gravity
- tumbleUncontrolled rolling descent
lurch · falter · wobble · stagger · unsteady · balance · recover · ankle
Social misstep or indiscretion
- etiquetteRules of polite conduct
- breachBreaking of agreement
- indiscretionUnwise act or remark
- improprietyUnsuitable or inappropriate behavior
gaffe · transgression · taboo · embarrassment · awkwardness · solecism · gaucherie · offense
Judicial examination of claims
- errorFault in communication
- growthIncrease in size
- progressMovement toward improvement
- experiencePractical knowledge from life
lesson · failure · setback · correction · feedback · improvement · development · resilience
fumble
Handle with clumsy fingers
gaffe · screwup · goof · mishandle · err · fiasco · debacle · flounder · ineptitude · clumsiness
stumble
Lose footing momentarily
tumble · lurch · falter · wobble · stagger · unsteady · balance · recover · ankle · sidewalk
faux pas
Social misstep or indiscretion
- etiquetteRules of polite conduct
- breachBreaking of agreement
- indiscretionUnwise act or remark
impropriety · gaffe · transgression · taboo · embarrassment · awkwardness · solecism · gaucherie · offense · peccadillo
trial
Judicial examination of claims
experience · lesson · failure · setback · correction · feedback · improvement · development · resilience · hindsight
falter
Lose momentum or steadiness
- stumbleLose footing momentarily
- timingArt of choosing moments
- choreographyDesigning performance movement sequences
footwork · rhythm · partner · beat · count · routine · rehearsal · recover · balance · lead
misstepssuccesses
Favorable outcomes achieved
triumphs · achievements · wins · accomplishments · victories