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 of misfire

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

Miami fans had plenty to stress about as the UM offense misfired and Florida State responded to potential knockout blows with huge plays. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026

Reno, twice the Ivy Player of the Week already this season, misfired on more passes than not this time, completing 15 of 38 for 105 yards, two second-half touchdowns, and one interception. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026

Noun

Malleable, sure, but this ambitious misfire can never conform to one shape, one final form, or one good idea. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 21 Oct. 2026

Other players in the state's Republican circles say the ad has all the pieces of a misfire, especially among women. — Philip Elliott, Time, 21 Oct. 2026

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