misfire

1 of 2

verb

mis·​fire ˌmis-ˈfī(-ə)r How to pronounce misfire (audio)
misfired; misfiring; misfires
Synonyms of misfirenext

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

Synonyms of misfire

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Verb

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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
Court records show the teen tried to shoot Spencer with a rifle, but the gun misfired. — Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 25 June 2026 Even classic color duos can misfire if they’re not thought through. — Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2026
Noun
Sig Sauer faces a class action suit over claims that its P320 pistol misfires. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026 Apologies for the misfire earlier! — Jim Reineking, USA Today, 8 June 2026 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

Rhymes for misfire

See All Rhymes for misfire

Browse Nearby Words

misfile
misfire
misfit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Misfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misfire. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of misfire for Spanish Speakers

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