verb
- failed to fire or discharge properly (of a gun, engine, etc.)
- failed to have the intended effect; went wrong
Usage: figurative
Examples
- The old rifle misfired during the hunting trip.
- Two cylinders misfired, causing the engine to run roughly.
- His joke misfired and offended the audience instead of making them laugh.
- The marketing campaign misfired and actually hurt sales.
- The pistol misfired at the crucial moment.
- Her attempt at diplomacy misfired completely.
- The car’s engine misfired on the cold morning.