Pronunciation: [mˈɪshap] (IPA) 
The word "mishap" is spelled with the letter "s" after the letter "h", which can be confusing to many English learners. The IPA phonetic transcription of "mishap" is /ˈmɪshæp/, with the "sh" sound represented by the digraph "sh" and the "a" sound in the second syllable represented by the letter "a". The spelling "mishap" is derived from the Middle English word "mesheppe", which means an unfortunate happening or accident.
A mishap is an unfortunate or unexpected event, often resulting in minor or moderate trouble, difficulty, or damage. It refers to an incident or accident that occurs unexpectedly or unintentionally, usually due to carelessness, negligence, or unforeseen circumstances. Mishaps are typically characterized by their unsought nature, happening suddenly and disrupting the normal flow of events.
The term can encompass a wide range of incidents, such as vehicular collisions, mechanical malfunctions, medical errors, slip and falls, or other unplanned mishaps that occur in various settings like workplaces, homes, or public spaces. Mishaps are distinguished by their unintended and untoward consequences, which may cause injury, loss, inconvenience, or disruption to individuals, objects, or plans.
The severity of a mishap can vary greatly, ranging from small mishaps like spilling a drink on important documents to more significant ones that involve injuries or property damage. Nonetheless, the defining factor of a mishap is that it is an unwanted occurrence resulting from unforeseen circumstances or human error.
Understanding the causes and consequences of mishaps is crucial in order to prevent or mitigate them. This includes acknowledging potential risks, maintaining situational awareness, and implementing proper safety measures. By recognizing the potential for mishaps and taking appropriate precautions, one can reduce the likelihood of such accidents occurring and their subsequent negative impact.
Ill chance; an accident.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "mishap" originated from Middle English in the late 13th century as a combination of the prefix "mis-" meaning "bad" or "wrong", and the noun "hap" which meant "luck" or "fortune". The term "hap" derived from Old Norse "hap" or "heppni" which had a similar meaning of luck or chance. Over time, "mishap" came to refer to an unfortunate or unlucky event or accident.
