false start

noun

1

: a premature start (as of a race or football play)

2

: an unsuccessful attempt to begin something (such as a career)

Examples of false start in a Sentence

If someone makes a false start, the race is immediately stopped and the runners have to start again.

After several false starts, the researchers were finally able to identify the virus causing the epidemic.

Recent Examples on the Web

Johns Hopkins stopped DePauw on three snaps in goal-to-go situations in the waning seconds, including inducing a false start that forced a 10-second runoff and cemented a 14-9 outcome. —Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 14 Dec. 2024

Before the quarter began, though, two Cleveland players jumped into action early — Jack Conklin officially got flagged for a false start. —Zac Jackson, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024

Hamilton was also punished for two separate incidents, first serving a five-second time penalty for a false start before being hit with a drive-through penalty for speeding in the pitlane after suffering a puncture. —Sam Joseph, CNN, 2 Dec. 2024

Zack Baun, legend in Wisconsin, resumes his rise with Eagles after false start in New Orleans Penguins training camp: Battles, expectations and how to watch What’s every NHL team’s biggest question heading into training camp? —New York Times, 18 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1