mis·fire
ˌmis-ˈfī(-ə)r 
misfired; misfiring; misfires
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
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
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
Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026
Initially, speculation swirled online that the blast at the school could have been caused by misfiring Iranian air defenses, as the IRGC tried to repel incoming air strikes.
—Gianluca Mezzofiore, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026
Luca Evans, Denver Post, 28 Feb. 2026
While the competition lineup was widely regarded as one of the strongest in recent years — with multiple titles earning critical raves and few outright misfires — there were no clear frontrunners heading into the final night.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for misfire
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Verb
The Mavericks were unable to execute on the final play of the game as Khris Middleton misfired on a pass intended for Flagg, leading to the Mavericks’ fifth straight loss — a 115-114 decision at Kia Center.
—Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026
Initially, speculation swirled online that the blast at the school could have been caused by misfiring Iranian air defenses, as the IRGC tried to repel incoming air strikes.
—Gianluca Mezzofiore, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
The general manager was a very unpopular man in Denver following a couple of massive misfires — the disastrous hiring of Nathaniel Hackett and the trade and massive extension for Wilson.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 28 Feb. 2026
While the competition lineup was widely regarded as one of the strongest in recent years — with multiple titles earning critical raves and few outright misfires — there were no clear frontrunners heading into the final night.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for misfire
Cite this Entry
“Misfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misfire. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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