noun
A miscalculation or error that has an unexpected and undesirable result
verb
To have an unexpected and undesirable result, especially contrary to one's intentions
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The company's attempt to manipulate public opinion ended up backfiring on them.
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I thought skipping breakfast would help me lose weight, but it backfired and I ended up eating more at lunch.
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I tried to prank my sister, but it totally backfired and she got me back even worse.
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His plan to impress his crush with a grand gesture backfired when she found it too overwhelming.