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 one way or another, polls misfired in the campaigns of 2012, 2016, and 2020. —W. Joseph Campbell, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024

Pitt a week ago when Coe misfired from 40 yards with 1:50 left. —Jeff Faraudo, The Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2024

Noun

Rodgers threw too far outside on a misfire attempt on New York’s first play from scrimmage. —Andrew Greif, NBC News, 21 Oct. 2024

The obvious comparison point is Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Sorkin’s 2006 NBC misfire chronicling the behind-the-scenes happenings at a live sketch-comedy show loosely based on SNL. —Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 8 Oct. 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