mismating

noun

mis·​mat·​ing ˌmis-ˈmā-tiŋ 

plural mismatings

: an act or instance of wrong or unsuitable mating

steps to prevent mismating of electrical connectors

The effects of mismating are always difficult to breed out of a herd [of pigs], and the effect on a beginner is such that a mistake may completely discourage him.

—George M. Rommel

… a cinematic mismating on the order of Lenny Bruce hooking up with Glinda the Good Witch.

—Patt Morrison

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above