# surefire

/ʃˈɔːfaɪə/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/surefire
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

certain to work or to succeed. You use it to describe a plan, method, or sign that will not fail.

For teachers: certain to produce the intended result; guaranteed to succeed. Typically modifies plans, methods, signs, or remedies.

## Examples

- This recipe is a surefire way to please guests.
- She uses a surefire method to remember names at conferences.
- No marketing strategy is truly surefire, but consistent storytelling across platforms comes closest to building lasting trust with an audience.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.