Misfires

The word 'misfires' describes the failure of something to function correctly, usually in a way that disrupts its intended sequence or outcome. It often implies a sudden, unexpected disruption or stoppage. In a mechanical context, a misfire often refers to a failure of an engine to ignite fuel in one or more cylinders. Figuratively, 'misfires' can represent errors in plans, actions, or communication, leading to undesired results. The impact of a misfire varies depending on the context, ranging from minor inconveniences to significant setbacks, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of failure.

Misfires meaning with examples

• The old car's engine frequently misfires, sputtering and losing power whenever I try to accelerate uphill. This problem has made longer trips unreliable, and I'm worried I'll have to replace the entire engine soon! It's a real nuisance and requires constant attention to avoid stalling.
• During the crucial scene, the actor's lines misfired; he completely forgot his cue and fumbled through a poorly improvised response, ruining the dramatic tension and leaving the audience confused. The director's attempts to help went nowhere
• The marketing campaign for the new product series dramatically misfired. The ads were confusing, and failed to target the intended demographics, which led to disappointing initial sales numbers for the company. The failure resulted in a re-evaluation of the project.
• The detective's initial investigation misfired. His assumptions were incorrect, leading him to pursue the wrong leads and overlook crucial evidence. It ultimately set back the investigation and made catching the criminal far more difficult, delaying the case's resolution.