'misfire' originates from English, specifically the prefix 'mis-' (from Old English/Proto-Germanic roots meaning 'wrong' or 'badly') combined with 'fire' (Old English 'fȳr' / verb forms related to shooting or igniting), where 'mis-' meant 'wrongly/badly' and 'fire' meant 'to ignite or shoot'.

'misfire' changed from a Middle English compound formed with the prefix 'mis-' + the verb 'fire' (e.g. Middle English constructions like 'misfiren') and eventually became the modern English word 'misfire'.

Initially, it meant 'to fail to discharge (a firearm or explosive)'; over time the sense broadened to include 'to fail to have the intended effect' for actions, plans, or attempts.