a failed state

USAGE SUMMARY

"failed state" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is most often used metaphorically to refer to a country that is politically or economically unstable, and where basic forms of government are often ignored or neglected. For example, you might say, "The country of X is considered to be a failed state due to its weak democracy and widespread poverty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"How does a failed state live?

The New York Times

You called Pakistan a failed state.

University of California, Berkeley

I think Afghanistan was a failed state.

University of California, Berkeley

The independence of a failed state.

The Guardian

California has become a failed state.

The Guardian - Opinion

'Iraq is not yet a failed state.

The Guardian

Venezuela has become a failed state.

The Washington Post

What, he asks, is a failed state?

The New York Times - Books

Yet Somalia is not a failed state.

The Guardian

"Yemen will not be a failed state.

The Guardian

Institutionally, Lebanon is a failed state.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "a failed state", ensure you provide specific evidence or examples to support your claim. Avoid generalizations and focus on concrete indicators of state failure, such as the breakdown of law and order, economic collapse, or inability to provide basic services.

Common error

Avoid using the term "a failed state" lightly or hyperbolically. It's a serious characterization that should only be applied when there's substantial evidence of systemic collapse, not simply political disagreements or temporary crises.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a failed state" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or an appositive. It describes a particular condition of a state, indicating its inability to fulfill its basic responsibilities. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "a failed state" is a widely used phrase, particularly in news, academic, and formal contexts, to describe a country whose government is no longer able to provide basic functions and services. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed to categorize nations facing severe systemic issues. Alternative phrases like "a collapsing nation" or "a dysfunctional state" can be used to convey similar meanings, albeit with subtle differences in emphasis. When using the phrase, it's crucial to provide specific evidence supporting the claim and avoid overgeneralizations. The term carries significant weight and should be applied judiciously, based on concrete indicators rather than temporary crises. The most frequent sources of this phrase are The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Washington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a failing state

Highlights the gradual decline of the state and its increasing inability to meet the needs of its citizens.

a collapsing nation

Focuses on the process of decline and disintegration of the state.

a non-functioning state

Emphasizes the inability of the state to perform its essential duties.

a state in collapse

Highlights the ongoing process of disintegration within the state.

a state in disarray

Focuses on the chaotic and disorganized nature of the state.

a dysfunctional state

Highlights the impaired functions and processes within the state.

a state in crisis

Emphasizes a critical and unstable condition within the state.

a fragile state

Highlights the state's vulnerability to internal and external pressures.

a lawless nation

Highlights the absence of effective law enforcement and widespread criminal activity.

a rogue state

Emphasizes the state's disregard for international laws and norms.

FAQs

What characterizes "a failed state"?

A "failed state" is typically characterized by a loss of control over its territory, erosion of legitimate authority, inability to provide public services, widespread corruption and crime, displacement of populations, and sharp economic decline.

What are some signs that a country is becoming "a failed state"?

Indicators include increasing political instability, violence, human rights abuses, economic hardship, and the government's inability to respond effectively to crises.

What can I say instead of "a failed state"?

You can use alternatives like "a collapsing nation", "a non-functioning state", or "a dysfunctional state" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is there a formal definition of "a failed state"?

There is no single, universally agreed-upon definition. However, most definitions focus on the state's inability to perform its core functions, such as maintaining order, providing services, and protecting its citizens.