PoliticsJuly 10, 2026

misadventure

/ˌmɪsədˈventʃər/

Definition

A risky or poorly planned undertaking that results in an unfortunate or failed outcome.

Etymology

The word is formed from the prefix 'mis-' (wrongly) and 'adventure' (an event or undertaking). It originated in Middle English from the Old French 'mesaventure', signifying an unlucky event or misfortune.

In the news

Emanuel uses the term to characterize the Israeli government's strategic decisions as misguided and ultimately harmful. It highlights his critique that past U.S. administrations failed by ignoring these flawed foreign policy choices.

Rahm Emanuel’s Israel Speech Shows Where American Politics Is Headed

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Politico

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