contretemps

Contretemps are defined as unfortunate or embarrassing occurrences.

(noun)

An example of a contretemp is being caught in a cheating scandal.

See contretemps in Webster's New World College Dictionary

an inopportune happening causing confusion or embarrassment; awkward mishap

Origin: Fr, altered (infl. by contre, opposite & temps, time) < OFr contrestant, prp. of contrester < VL *contrastare, contrast

See contretemps in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. contretemps contretemps (-täɴzˌ, -täɴzˈ)

An unforeseen event that disrupts the normal course of things; an inopportune occurrence.

Origin:

Origin: French

Origin: : contre-, against (from Latin contrā-; see contra-)

Origin: + temps, time (from Latin tempus)

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