misfire

1 of 2

verb

mis·​fire ˌmis-ˈfī(-ə)r 

misfired; misfiring; misfires

intransitive verb

1

: to have the explosive or propulsive charge fail to ignite at the proper time

the engine misfired

2

: to fail to fire

the gun misfired

3

: to miss an intended effect or objective

the new ad campaign misfired

misfire

2 of 2

noun

mis·​fire ˌmis-ˈfī(-ə)r 

ˈmis-ˌfī(-ə)r

1

: a failure (as of a cartridge or firearm) to fire

2

: something that misfires

Synonyms

Verb

• miscarry

Examples of misfire in a Sentence

Verb

their scheme to rob the bank misfired disastrously and landed them all in jail

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Meanwhile, scientists and engineers work through testing to better understand and resolve problems that occurred during Starliner's launch and flight, including some misfiring thrusters and helium leaks. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 13 Sep. 2024

Sparks attempted to shoot himself but his weapon misfired, police said. —Cnn, The Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2024

Noun

Should that musket misfire, don’t look for the cleric. —Rob Wieland, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024

Heaven’s Gate comes to mind as one archetypal example, but there are many other misfires from award-winning filmmakers. —Stephen Farber, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1752, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1789, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

misfire

verb

mis·​fire

(ˈ)mis-ˈfī(ə)r

1

: to have the explosive or driving charge fail to ignite at the proper time

the engine misfired

2

: to fail to fire

the gun misfired

3

: to miss an intended effect

the plan misfired

misfire noun