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Definition of failed state noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

failed state

noun
 
/ˌfeɪld ˈsteɪt/
 
/ˌfeɪld ˈsteɪt/
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  1. a country in which the government is so weak that it has lost control of the structures of the state
    • The country risks becoming a failed state.
    • The organization publishes an index of failed states.
See failed state in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary
previously
adverb
 
 
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