misfire
misfire Lexical Profile
misfire Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An instance of a plan, joke, artistic work, or endeavor failing to achieve its intended effect.
"Critics called the director's latest comedy an unfortunate misfire despite its talented cast."
A failure of an internal combustion engine cylinder, rocket motor, or firearm to ignite or discharge properly at the intended moment.
"The mechanic diagnosed an engine misfire caused by a worn spark plug."
• verb
To fail to produce the intended result or effect (of a plan, joke, or effort).
"The marketing campaign misfired when consumers found the slogan confusing rather than clever."
To fail to ignite properly or discharge at the right time (of a motor vehicle engine, rocket, or firearm).
"The old truck's engine began to misfire as we climbed the steep mountain pass."
• Rhymes for misfire
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the mid-18th century from the English prefix 'mis-' (badly or wrongly) and 'fire', originally referring to the failure of a flintlock or early firearm to discharge properly.