failed state

American  

noun

1. a nation in which the government has lost political authority and control and is unable to fulfill the basic responsibilities of a sovereign state.

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failed state British  

noun

1. a weak state where social and political structures have collapsed to the point where the government has little or no control

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Etymology

Origin of failed state

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

Many Iranians, initially welcoming the war, now fear the regime will emerge hardened or that strikes could cause Iran to become a failed state.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

In the aftermath of the seizure and rendition of Nicolas Maduro, Kazin posted on X about his experiences and the vicissitudes of running an operation in what was clearly a chaotic, dysfunctional, failed state.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 8, 2026

Maybe the most entwined with the mercenaries was Mali, where an ongoing Islamist insurgency, combined with multiple coups, had left an essentially failed state.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2024

Six died after treatment failed, state media reported.

From Reuters • Jul. 24, 2023

“No one wants a failed state in Sudan.”

From New York Times • Apr. 22, 2023