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

• 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

To begin with, the company’s unprovoked faceplant was, if nothing else, one of the biggest public relations misfires in recent corporate history. —Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025

Ten minutes later, Suarez delivered another assist on a silver platter to Allende, who was one on one with Sounders goalkeeper Andrew Thomas, but misfired and his shot sailed right. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025

Noun

After two deep misfires, Patrick Mahomes finally connected with Tyquan Thornton deep to get within field-goal range. —Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025

Rushing into action without thinking can lead to misfires—like our panda pulling a gun instead of chewing bamboo. —Jason Richmond, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025

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