misstep

Etymology

From mis- + step.

noun

1. A step that is wrong, a false step.
   On a high ledge, a misstep could be fatal.
2. (figurative) An error or mistake.
   His comment was a misstep that could cost him dearly.
   Plenty of past seasons’ events could look ill-conceived in the critical eye of Monday-morning quarterbacking, but previously, the show had earned the benefit of the doubt that missteps on the part of supposedly intelligent characters were a plausible lack of in-world foresight. 19 May 2019, Alex McLevy, “The final Game Of Thrones brings a pensive but simple meditation about stories (newbies)”, in The A.V. Club

verb

1. (intransitive) To step badly or incorrectly.
   My dance partner misstepped and landed on my toe.
2. (intransitive) To make an error or mistake.
   I don't want to misstep by offending them.