Mistake Definition & Meaning

mistake
noun
  1. a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention; "he made a bad mistake"; "she was quick to point out my errors"; "I could understand his English in spite of his grammatical faults"
  2. an understanding of something that is not correct; "he wasn't going to admit his mistake"; "make no mistake about his intentions"; "there must be some misunderstanding--I don't have a sister"
  3. part of a statement that is not correct; "the book was full of errors"
verb
  1. identify incorrectly; "Don't mistake her for her twin sister"
  2. to make a mistake or be incorrect

"Mistake" in song lyrics

See how mistake is used in real songs:

  • "Yeah she bound to let me smoke but make no mistake"
    Above the Law f/ Kokane — Everything Will Be Alright
  • "There's no mistake"
    Aceyalone — The Thief
  • "And I'm so far ahead of the game, make no mistake"
    Aceyalone — Impact

Usage tips for "mistake"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "mistake" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for mistake to find words that pair well.

Look up another word