miscue
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //mɪsˈkjuː//
KK: /mɪsˈkju/
intransitive verb
Definition
To make a mistake or error, especially in a performance or when following instructions.
Example
During the play, the actor miscue and missed his line.
Tense Forms
Past: miscued
Past Participle: miscued
Conversation
Did you see the play last night?
Yeah, it was great, but I noticed one actor miscue their line.
Oh really? That must have been awkward for them.
Definitely, but they handled it well and kept going.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
blunder
mistake
misstep
Antonyms
succeed
perform
execute
noun
Definition
An error or mistake, especially in a game or performance.
Example
His miscue during the game cost the team a point.
Conversation
I had such a terrible game of pool last night.
Oh no! What happened?
I kept making a miscue on my shots, it was so frustrating.
Root Explanation
Miscue → It is formed from "mis-" (meaning wrong or badly) and "cue" (from Latin "causa", meaning cause or reason). The word refers to a wrong or bad signal or prompt, particularly in performance or sports contexts.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'wrong signal' ('mis-') that leads to an incorrect action ('cue'). This helps you remember that a miscue is an error in following a prompt.
Visually Confused Words
misuse
mise
minuscule
mice