Meaning of the word misfire in English

What does misfire mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

misfire

US /ˌmɪsˈfaɪr/

UK /ˌmɪsˈfaɪr/

of a firearm or other explosive device) fail to fire or explode properly

Example:

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The old rifle tended to misfire frequently.

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The bomb was supposed to explode, but it misfired.

Synonym:

fail malfunction go wrong backfire

of a plan or an action) go wrong or have an unintended and unwelcome result

Example:

•

Their marketing strategy seemed to misfire, leading to lower sales.

•

His attempt to apologize misfired and only made things worse.

Synonym:

backfire fail go wrong go awry fizzle out

a failure of a firearm or other explosive device to fire or explode properly

Example:

•

The hunter experienced a misfire, allowing the deer to escape.

•

A sudden misfire from the cannon startled everyone.

Synonym:

failure malfunction fiasco flop

a failure of a plan or an action to achieve its intended result

Example:

•

The whole project was a misfire from the start.

•

Despite careful planning, the event was a complete misfire.

Synonym:

failure flop fiasco debacle

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