English Explanatory Dictionary

failed state

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A state that has failed to meet the basic conditions and responsibilities of a sovereign government; one that has lost physical control of its territory, the ability to provide public services, etc.

Pronunciation

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-failed state.wav

Word forms

failed state failed states

Etymology

Initially applied to Somalia in the 1990s.

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