unexpected mishap

USAGE SUMMARY

"unexpected mishap" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an unexpected event that had negative consequences. For example, "The college's plans to open a new campus were unexpectedly derailed by an unexpected mishap."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The drama of the unexpected mishap, usually pulsing tangibly through a dinner party, was lamentably absent.

The New York Times - Food

The only way Schleck can pull off a victory in the time trial, some say, is if an unexpected mishap happens to Contador, like a punctured tire or a mechanical problem.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Logistical challenges create unexpected mishaps.

The New York Times - Sports

The choreographer's mundane, affectless gestures mingled with a series of seemingly random occurrences on stage – a grid of screens toppled on cue; styrofoam, metal and plywood objects made by Carl Andre were strewn across the floor – with unexpected mishaps in the wireless system.

The Guardian - Arts

While every bride wants her Big Day to be perfect, unexpected mishaps do happen.

Huffington Post

It's advisable to always keep a tube of suitable, instant-drying, strong glue in your handbag if you're a regular wearer of high heeled shoes, just for such unexpected mishaps.

WikiHow

The search was cut short because of treacherous underwater terrain and repeated, unexpected equipment mishaps that caused delays and left the group with only five days of search time rather than 10, as originally planned.

The Guardian

Among the mishaps were an unexpected delay at the start of trading, missing trade execution messages and, at one point, orders that were filled by hand.

The New York Times

In my life as a wedding guest, I've found that every single nuptial comes with a mishap, some mistake or unexpected complication or drama or comedic accident.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This type of mishap is not to be unexpected, given the nature of our work," Mr. Scarlatoiu said.

The New York Times

That eye-opening social media mishap-turned-unexpected-blessing shaped her perspective on that, she said.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unexpected mishap" when you want to emphasize that an event was both unforeseen and resulted in a negative outcome. It's particularly useful in contexts where planning and preparation are important.

Common error

While "unexpected mishap" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively. Vary your language with synonyms like "sudden setback" or "unforeseen incident" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unexpected mishap" functions as a noun phrase, where "unexpected" modifies the noun "mishap". Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and examples show it describing unforeseen negative events. It acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unexpected mishap" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe an unforeseen negative event. While relatively rare in occurrence, it's versatile enough for use in various contexts, particularly in news, wikis, and science-related content. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its meaning is consistently understood. To avoid redundancy, consider using synonyms like "unforeseen incident" or "sudden setback" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unexpected setback

It is almost identical but rephrasing setback instead of mishap.

unforeseen incident

Replaces "mishap" with "incident", indicating a broader, less specific event.

sudden setback

Emphasizes the hindering aspect of the event.

unanticipated problem

Highlights the issue-related nature of the event.

unforeseen difficulty

Focuses on the challenging aspect introduced by the event.

unforeseen complication

Emphasizes the confusing or intricate nature of the unexpected event.

surprise misfortune

Highlights the negative luck associated with the event.

chance accident

Indicates the unplanned and accidental aspect of the event.

random occurrence

Highlights the unplanned, unpredicted origin of the mishap.

unanticipated event

A more generic term for any unplanned happening.

FAQs

How can I use "unexpected mishap" in a sentence?

You can use "unexpected mishap" to describe an unforeseen event that causes problems or setbacks. For example, "The project faced an "unexpected mishap" due to a supplier's bankruptcy".

What are some alternatives to "unexpected mishap"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "sudden setback", "unforeseen incident", or "unanticipated problem".

Is "unexpected mishap" formal or informal?

"Unexpected mishap" is generally considered a neutral phrase, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it may be more common in journalistic or narrative writing.

What's the difference between "unexpected mishap" and "unforeseen consequence"?

"Unexpected mishap" usually refers to a specific event that goes wrong, while "unforeseen consequence" refers to the unintended results of an action or decision. So, an "unexpected mishap" is an event, whereas the "unforeseen consequence" is the outcome.