state failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "state failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in discussions about political science, international relations, or sociology to describe a situation where a government is unable to perform its basic functions or maintain order. Example: "The region has been plagued by state failure, leading to widespread violence and humanitarian crises."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It wasn't state failure.

The New Yorker

State failure is expensive, not cheap.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are the victims of state failure.

The Guardian

"The root cause is state failure," the American official said.

The New York Times

Yet state failure is evident when it comes to security.

The Economist

To call state failure the principal menace to international order is a gross overstatement.

The Guardian - Books

Three decades later, Pakistan represents state failure, religious extremism, terrorism, nuclear proliferation.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I think it could just be slow-motion state failure," Lina said.

The Guardian

But even to say the word "famine" was a crime, because it implied state failure.

The Guardian

"It could be state failure for the next 10 years," Lina said.

The Guardian

The spectre of state failure is haunting hitherto calm locations too.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "state failure" to describe situations where the government is unable to provide basic services like security, healthcare, and education.

Common error

Don't attribute "state failure" to a single cause. It's usually a complex interplay of political, economic, and social factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state failure" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, describing a condition or event. Ludwig provides examples where it identifies causes, consequences or is used to describe the status of the state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "state failure" is a noun phrase denoting a severe condition where a government cannot fulfill its basic responsibilities. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and used across various contexts, primarily in news, encyclopedias and science. It's vital to use it precisely, acknowledging the complex causes behind it and avoiding oversimplifications. Related terms include "government collapse" and "failed state", offering similar meanings. Remember to avoid oversimplifying the term and acknowledge the complex causes behind it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Failed state

Emphasizes the condition of a state that is no longer functioning properly.

Government collapse

Focuses specifically on the breakdown of governmental structures.

Collapse of governance

Highlights the disintegration of governing systems.

Breakdown of order

Stresses the loss of societal structure and security.

Erosion of state authority

Indicates a gradual decline in the power and legitimacy of the state.

Loss of state control

Focuses on the state's inability to maintain command over its territory and population.

State disintegration

Emphasizes the fragmentation and dissolution of the state.

Absence of governance

Highlights the lack of effective governing mechanisms.

Systemic breakdown

Focuses on a comprehensive failure of interconnected systems within a state.

Political dysfunction

Highlights impaired political processes and institutions.

FAQs

How to use "state failure" in a sentence?

You can use "state failure" to describe situations where a government is unable to perform its basic functions, for example: "The country's persistent "state failure" has led to a humanitarian crisis."

What can I say instead of "state failure"?

You can use alternatives like "government collapse", "failed state", or "collapse of governance" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "state failure" or "failed state"?

Both "state failure" and "failed state" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "State failure" emphasizes the process of decline, while "failed state" describes the resulting condition.

What are the main causes of "state failure"?

Common causes of "state failure" include corruption, economic inequality, ethnic conflict, and external interference.