misplay
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈmɪspleɪ/
KK: /ˈmɪspleɪ/
noun
Definition
An error or mistake made during a play in a game or sport, often due to lack of skill or poor judgment.
Example
The team's misplay in the final minutes cost them the game.
Conversation
Did you see the game last night?
Yeah, it was exciting, but that misplay really cost them the match.
I know, I couldn't believe how they let that happen.
Right? It was such an uncharacteristic mistake for them.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
blunder
error
mistake
Antonyms
success
achievement
mastery
transitive verb
Definition
To play a game or sport incorrectly, leading to a mistake or error in judgment.
Example
He misplayed the ball, allowing the other team to score.
Tense Forms
Past: misplayed
Past Participle: misplayed
Conversation
Did you see the game last night?
Yeah, it was pretty intense!
I can't believe the team misplayed that last play.
Root Explanation
Misplay → It is formed from "mis-" (meaning wrongly or badly) and "play" (from Old English "pleggen", meaning to engage in activity for enjoyment). The word "misplay" means to play something wrongly or to make a mistake while playing.
Memory Tip
Think of doing something 'wrongly' ('mis-') while 'playing' — that's why misplay means to make a mistake in a game or activity.
Visually Confused Words
mislay
display
splay
islay
mislayer
misapply