misfire

verb

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mis·fire | \ ˌmis-ˈfī(-ə)r

misfired; misfiring; misfires

Definition of misfire

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

noun

mis·fire | \ ˌmis-ˈfī(-ə)r

, ˈmis-ˌfī(-ə)r \

Definition of misfire (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a failure (as of a cartridge or firearm) to fire

2 : something that misfires

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about misfire

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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 Another is small-fiber neuropathy, a condition in which the body’s nerves begin to misfire and can die off, causing pain, fatigue and disruption to basic bodily functions like breathing. — New York Times, "What If You Never Get Better From Covid-19?," 21 Jan. 2021 The Thunder continued to misfire, hitting just 41.7% overall and going only 3 for 15 on 3-pointers. — Brian Mahoney, Star Tribune, "Paul has 28, helps Thunder force Game 7 against the Rockets," 1 Sep. 2020 The Thunder continued to misfire, hitting just 41.7% overall and going only 3 for 15 on 3-pointers. — Brian Mahoney, Star Tribune, "Paul has 28, helps Thunder force Game 7 against the Rockets," 1 Sep. 2020 The Thunder continued to misfire, hitting just 41.7% overall and going only 3 for 15 on 3-pointers. — Brian Mahoney, Star Tribune, "Paul has 28, helps Thunder force Game 7 against the Rockets," 1 Sep. 2020 The Thunder continued to misfire, hitting just 41.7% overall and going only 3 for 15 on 3-pointers. — Brian Mahoney, Star Tribune, "Paul has 28, helps Thunder force Game 7 against the Rockets," 1 Sep. 2020 The Thunder continued to misfire, hitting just 41.7% overall and going only 3 for 15 on 3-pointers. — Brian Mahoney, Star Tribune, "Paul has 28, helps Thunder force Game 7 against the Rockets," 1 Sep. 2020 The Thunder continued to misfire, hitting just 41.7% overall and going only 3 for 15 on 3-pointers. — Brian Mahoney, Star Tribune, "Paul has 28, helps Thunder force Game 7 against the Rockets," 1 Sep. 2020 The Thunder continued to misfire, hitting just 41.7% overall and going only 3 for 15 on 3-pointers. — Brian Mahoney, Star Tribune, "Paul has 28, helps Thunder force Game 7 against the Rockets," 1 Sep. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Washington, the reigning division champ, has an incredible defensive front but is largely resetting at quarterback after Cousins signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 and the Dwayne Haskins draft misfire in 2019. — Michael Gehlken, Dallas News, "Eagles trading Carson Wentz underscores opportunity facing the Cowboys, Dak Prescott," 18 Feb. 2021 Richard Pitino's mission in recruiting could not be any clearer after watching his team misfire throughout a 63-49 dud: Find shooters. — Star Tribune, "Richard Pitino must address a Gophers liability: rotten shooting," 23 Jan. 2021 When it was released in 1989, The Abyss was considered Cameron’s folly, an expensive misfire with a notoriously troubled shoot. — Kate Knibbs, Wired, "My Year Watching Submarine Movies," 22 Dec. 2020 After Houston closed to within 10 points on a Jones 3-pointer with 2:16 remaining, Poeltl beat a handful of Rockets to a key offensive rebound after a Murray misfire. — Jeff Mcdonald, ExpressNews.com, "Jakob Poeltl’s grit helps San Antonio Spurs hold off pesky Houston Rockets," 16 Jan. 2021 Fields completed 14 of his first 15 attempts, the only misfire coming on an overthrown deep pass to Olave that would have resulted in a touchdown. — Chris Dabe, NOLA.com, "Ohio State routs Clemson in Sugar Bowl, will face Alabama for national title," 1 Jan. 2021 The downtown San Francisco location of conference headquarters was a tragic misfire. — John Canzano, oregonlive, "Canzano: Pac-12 sinking in sea of management misfires," 5 Dec. 2020 The derangement of smell may be part of the recovery process, as receptors in the nose struggle to reawaken, sending signals to the brain that misfire or are misread, Dr. Reiter said. — New York Times, "Some Covid Survivors Haunted by Loss of Smell and Taste," 2 Jan. 2021 The misfire on Mullens part was not including a large enough buyout. — John Canzano, oregonlive, "Canzano: Oregon Ducks AD Rob Mullens doubles down with Mario Cristobal," 17 Dec. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'misfire.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.