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

In the scuffle, Lawrence pulled out a second pistol; but that gun also misfired. —Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 18 Sep. 2024

The president’s chances increasingly rely on the possibility that the polls are misfiring. July 12, 2024By Nate Cohn Home Insurance Rates in America Are Wildly Distorted. —Kellen Browning Nate Cohn Mira Rojanasakul Julia Jacobs, New York Times, 13 July 2024

Noun

That misfire allowed Murphy to swoop in for an interception that helped turn the tide in favor of the Vikings. —Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 2 Dec. 2024

The Black Cauldron is a creative misfire that gives a fascinating glimpse into Disney’s struggles. —Josh Spiegel, Vulture, 24 July 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