missteps

Missteps are errors or deviations from a planned or correct course, typically involving a failure of judgment, planning, or execution. The term is used for both literal slips while moving and figurative mistakes in strategy, policy, or behavior. As a noun, misstep can refer to a single mistake or a series of errors; the related verb misstep means to stumble or make an error in this way.

The word combines mis-, a prefix indicating wrong or incorrectly, with step. It has been used in English since the early modern period to describe deviations from expected action or plan.

In physical activity, a misstep can be a stumble or loss of balance. In management, politics, science, or everyday decision making, missteps describe errors of judgment, planning faults, miscommunication, or flawed assumptions that hinder goals or lead to negative outcomes.

Common causes include faulty information, cognitive bias, overconfidence, inadequate risk assessment, and poor execution. Consequences can range from minor delays to substantial financial loss, reputational damage, or policy failure, depending on severity and context.

Organizations and individuals analyze missteps to learn and adjust. This can involve root-cause analysis, revised risk management, improved communication, or changes in leadership or strategy. In many cases, acknowledging missteps can restore credibility if followed by transparent corrective action.

Related terms include error, mistake, blunder, lapse, misjudgment, stumble, and setback.