124 Another Word for Backfired? – Backfired Synonyms & Antonyms

Want to say backfired differently? Here are other words for backfired and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.


Meaning of backfired

The primary meaning of the word "backfired" is that something has had an opposite or unwanted effect.

Etymology of backfired

The word "backfired" originated in the mid-17th century, when it was used to describe a gun that had exploded or fired backwards, causing injury to the person using it.
Over time, the term took on a figurative meaning, describing a situation where something had an opposite or unwanted effect.

Synonyms

misfired failed miscarried fell through backlashed recoiled boomeranged rebounded retaliated reacted responded blew up in one's face had an adverse effect had a reverse effect proved counterproductive failed to produce the intended result had an opposite effect was unsuccessful did not succeed was ineffectual was unproductive was futile was abortive was stillborn was unsuccessful foundered flopped failed to come off did not come off did not work out came to nothing fell flat went wrong went awry went amiss went haywire

Definitions

  • The word "backfired" is defined by Oxford Languages as having an opposite effect to what was intended, often causing a problem or difficulty for the person who intended to achieve something.
  • * It can also refer to a vehicle's engine backfiring, which is a loud noise made by the engine when it is not running properly.

Usage Examples

  • The company's attempt to increase sales by raising prices backfired, and they ended up losing customers.
  • * The politician's plan to gain support by making controversial comments backfired, and they lost the election.
  • * The firework backfired and exploded on the ground, causing a loud noise and startling the crowd.

Antonyms

succeeded flourished thrived prospered bloomed blossomed worked out came off paid off worked functioned operated went as planned went smoothly went well was successful was effective was productive achieved accomplished realized materialized happened transpired occurred resulted

Related Adjectives

unsuccessful ineffectual unproductive futile abortive stillborn counterproductive adverse unwanted opposite reverse negative unfavorable unfortunate calamitous disastrous catastrophic detrimental harmful hurtful

Related Nouns

failure mistake error blunder mishap misstep fiasco disaster catastrophe calamity setback reverse backlash recoil reaction response consequence outcome result effect aftermath upshot

Related Verbs

failed miscarried backlashed recoiled boomeranged rebounded retaliated reacted responded blew up had an adverse effect had a reverse effect proved counterproductive foundered flopped fell through went wrong went awry went amiss went haywire
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