Misfire

To fail to function or operate properly, especially at the expected or intended time. This can apply to mechanical devices like engines or firearms, as well as to actions, plans, or strategies that produce an unintended or undesirable outcome. A misfire can indicate a problem with execution, faulty components, or a lack of necessary elements to achieve the desired result. The term implies an unexpected failure, disrupting the expected sequence of events or causing a lack of the expected effect.

Misfire meaning with examples

• The old car's engine began to misfire on the highway, sputtering and losing power. I had to pull over to the side of the road. After the engine misfired, I worried because I was going to be late to pick up my daughter at school.
• The comedian's punchline misfired during the stand-up routine, falling completely flat with the audience. No one laughed at all. It was a bad performance.
• The company's new marketing campaign misfired, resulting in a significant decrease in sales and negative public perception. They needed to revamp their whole project.
• During the final test, the experimental rocket engine misfired, exploding prematurely and destroying the launch pad. It was a failure.
• The negotiator's attempt to appease the opposing side misfired, resulting in an even more hostile stance. It was a tough situation.