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
Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2026
Brunson rose for a deep three-pointer that misfired, but Anunoby weaved through traffic and tipped the ball in for a one-point lead to secure the win.
—Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026
Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026
Apologies for the misfire earlier!
—Jim Reineking, USA Today, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for misfire
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Verb
Even classic color duos can misfire if they’re not thought through.
—Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2026
Brunson rose for a deep three-pointer that misfired, but Anunoby weaved through traffic and tipped the ball in for a one-point lead to secure the win.
—Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026
Noun
The digital misfire tipped off during Game 1 of the championship series between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs.
—Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026
Apologies for the misfire earlier!
—Jim Reineking, USA Today, 8 June 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 Jun. 2026.
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