misfire

[mis-fiuhr, mis-fahy^uhr]

verb (used without object)

misfired, misfiring 

1. (of a rifle or gun or of a bullet or shell) to fail to fire or explode.

2. (of an internal-combustion engine) to fail to ignite properly or when expected.

3. to fail to achieve the desired result, effect, etc..

   His criticisms completely misfired.

noun

1. an act or instance of misfiring.

misfire

/ ˌmɪsˈfaɪə /

verb

1. (of a firearm or its projectile) to fail to fire, explode, or ignite as or when expected

2. (of a motor engine or vehicle, etc) to fail to fire at the appropriate time, often causing a backfire

3. to fail to operate or occur as intended

noun

1. the act or an instance of misfiring

Word History and Origins

Origin of misfire¹

First recorded in 1745–55; mis- ¹ + fire

Example Sentences

His last two records, the subdued and introspective Subtract and Autumn Variations, were commercial misfires, selling less than half a million copies each.

From BBC

Snell’s outing was a grind from the start, with Rushing misfiring to first base for an error in the first inning and Betts reacting slowly to a ground ball at shortstop to extend the second.

From Los Angeles Times

Discovery three years ago was a misfire that eroded the value of some of the industry’s most premium brands.

From Los Angeles Times

The fireworks began to misfire toward the residence where the girl was located, and where there were other illegal fireworks.

From Los Angeles Times

Just as its opening triggers hope for its wannabe family men, you want “I Don’t Understand You” to really nail its downward spiral, and yet it’s something of a misfire, albeit a likable one.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• backfire 
• fall flat 
• fizzle 
• flop