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

Esophageal spasms occur when these nerves misfire and don't work together. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 20 Dec. 2024

Theatrical movies from Warner Bros. misfired, providing more incentive for top executives to prioritize TV distribution to maintain the company’s revenue picture. —Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024

Noun

These calls crescendoed after the misfire elections of 2000 and 2016 where the Democratic ticket won the national popular vote, but lost in the Electoral College. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024

The Ravens cracked in the fourth quarter, undone by too many empty drives and special teams misfires. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 2 Dec. 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