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

See Examples For:

failed state

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

Libya has been a failed state for more than a decade, with no government exercising nationwide authority since Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in 2011.

From Reuters ● Sep. 19, 2023

"South Africa is undergoing challenges like many other countries but I think to put it into the category of a failed state is an exaggeration," he added.

From BBC ● May 23, 2023

“No one wants a failed state in Sudan.”

From New York Times ● Apr. 22, 2023