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

After weeks of violent misadventures, Jake and Cara’s nephew winds up on a train bound for home during the episode. —Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 23 Mar. 2025

American Dad! centers on super patriotic CIA agent Stan Smith (voiced by MacFarlane) and the misadventures of his unconventional family in Langley Falls, VA. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 21 Mar. 2025

Romy and Michele reunion: Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino reenact their favorite scene The original film follows the misadventures of Romy and Michele, besties who haven't accomplished much since their high school days. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 29 Jan. 2025

On The Other Two, Drew Tarver Hilariously Sends Up Queerness, Stardom, and Survivor The star of the hilarious HBO Max comedy dishes on his character’s new misadventures. —Samantha Allen, Them, 24 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for misadventure

• peradventure
• adventure
• debenture
• indenture
• bencher
• denture
• quencher
• trencher
• venture

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