amiss

[uh-mis]

adverb

1. out of the right or proper course, order, or condition; improperly; wrongly; astray.

   Did I speak amiss?

   Synonyms: unsuitably, inappropriately
   Antonyms: properly, rightly

adjective

1. improper; wrong; faulty.

   I think something is amiss in your calculations.

   Synonyms: askew, awry, erroneous, mistaken
   Antonyms: true, correct

amiss

/ əˈmɪs /

adverb

1. in an incorrect, inappropriate, or defective manner

2. to be annoyed or offended by something

adjective

1. (postpositive) wrong, incorrect, or faulty

Word History and Origins

Origin of amiss¹

1200–50; Middle English amis, equivalent to a- a- ¹ + mis wrong. See miss ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of amiss¹

C13 a mis, from mis wrong; see _miss ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. take amiss, to be offended at or resentful of (something not meant to cause offense or resentment); misunderstand.

   I couldn't think of a way to present my view so that no one would take it amiss.

see under take the wrong way.

Example Sentences

However, this was barely a contest, with Sinner's lack of movement and early attempts to hit his way out of trouble hinting something was amiss.

From BBC

That said, England recording their biggest win over France since a 43-8 win in the 2009 Nations Cup, and their largest margin of victory across their last 30 meetings, will not have gone amiss.

From BBC

As he barked out the team’s next moves, Carroll paced between the Trojans’ offense and defense, scanning for anything that might be amiss.

From Los Angeles Times

As one government source reckons, "a bit of loyalty wouldn't go amiss".

From BBC

However, there were clear signs something was amiss:

From BBC

Related Words

• awry 
• improper 
• untoward