misadventure

noun

mis·​ad·​ven·​ture ˌmi-səd-ˈven-chər 

: misfortune, mishap

Synonyms

• adversity
• ill
• knock
• mischance
• misfortune
• mishap
• tragedy

Examples of misadventure in a Sentence

His vacation turned into a series of misadventures.

a string of financial misadventures eventually left him broke

Recent Examples on the Web

While a social worker (Linda Cardellini) searches for a foster home, Michael stumbles through a series of chaotic misadventures — and discovers his unlikely bond with the rowdy quartet might change his life forever. —James Mercadante, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024

Following the misadventures of Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer was (and still is, thanks to streaming services) an escape from our daily lives. —Abby Wilson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2024

Her plays are now lost, but luckily her adventures and misadventures in the theater business are lovingly preserved in this wildly funny account of events. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 20 Dec. 2024

Netflix released a new trailer Tuesday for the romance dramedy centered on the youngest Covey sister Kitty's misadventures at a boarding school in Seoul, and in it, the character played by Anna Cathcart is visited by a familiar face: sister Lara Jean's boyfriend Peter. —Jessica Wang, EW.com, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English mesaventure, from Anglo-French, from mesavenir to turn out badly, from mes- mis- + avenir to happen, from Latin advenire — more at adventure

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing misadventure

• death by misadventure

Kids Definition

misadventure

noun

mis·​ad·​ven·​ture ˌmis-əd-ˈven-chər 

: misfortune sense 2

Legal Definition

misadventure

noun

mis·​ad·​ven·​ture ˌmi-səd-ˈven-chər 

: an accident that causes serious injury or death to a person and that does not involve negligence, wrongful purpose, or unlawful conduct