Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mr. Trump is frustrated that his Administration’s criminal investigation into Mr. Powell over a cost overrun on a Fed building renovation is backfiring in a big way.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

If anything, making himself the centerpiece of a "woe is me" campaign is backfiring.

From Salon • Mar. 20, 2025

Danny Shaw, a footwear branding consultant, wrote on LinkedIn, that this approach is backfiring.

From BBC • Oct. 11, 2019

By those measures, so far the strategy is backfiring.

From The Guardian • Aug. 11, 2019

A Bud Light campaign is backfiring after drinkers spotted a curious slogan on some of the brand’s beer bottles.

From MSNBC • Apr. 29, 2015