misfire

1 of 2

verb

mis·​fire ˌmis-ˈfī(-ə)r How to pronounce misfire (audio)
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 How to pronounce misfire (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
With Hugo Ekitike having already endeared himself to the fanbase, there’s too much attacking quality in the squad for Liverpool to keep misfiring. James Pearce, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025 Historically, Ohtani has misfired with the bat at Philadelphia – going into the game, none of his 250 career homers have come there. Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
Dash cam footage of the officer’s killing played in the courtroom showed Rocha shooting Vasquez three times with an AR-15, including two misfires, during a traffic stop on July 19, 2022, after being pulled over for expired tags. Pj Green october 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2025 Schwarber, on the other hand, also took full accountability for his performance when asked about the Philly stars' misfires. Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for misfire

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1752, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1789, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of misfire was in 1752

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Misfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misfire. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on misfire

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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