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 of misfire

Verb

• fail
• fall short
• miscarry
• stall
• fall flat
• come to grief

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

This fall’s cases show what happens when those systems misfire in the middle of an election, and why Meta’s explanations have satisfied few affected people. — Molly A. Wallace, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2026

Miami fans had plenty to stress about as the UM offense misfired and Florida State responded to potential knockout blows with huge plays. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026

Noun

On a night when the Chiefs’ defense turned in a solid performance in several areas, namely the red zone and on first and second downs, they were undone by third-down misfires. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2026

When there’s a box office misfire, the media quite often likes to uncover some sort of major mishap on set. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1752, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1789, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for misfire

• briar
• brier
• buyer
• choir
• crier
• cryer
• drier
• dryer
• eyer
• flier
• flyer
• friar

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