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
Ramon Ramirez, Austin American Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026
Maroun said Qlayaa was not only vulnerable to Israeli attacks, but also had been hit by what appeared to be Hezbollah rockets that had misfired or fallen short of their targets.
—Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 11 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
Given Young’s music centers around modern, misfiring romance, the statement was unexpected.
—Ramon Ramirez, Austin American Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026
Maroun said Qlayaa was not only vulnerable to Israeli attacks, but also had been hit by what appeared to be Hezbollah rockets that had misfired or fallen short of their targets.
—Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 11 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 18 Mar. 2026.
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