failed system

[ˈfeɪld ˈsɪstəm]
noun phrasepl: failed systems
sistema falho
1. a system or organized structure that has not performed its intended function or has broken down completely
The failed system of public transportation left thousands of commuters stranded.
O sistema falho de transporte público deixou milhares de passageiros retidos.
2. an institution or organizational framework that has ceased to work effectively or meet its objectives
Critics argue that the educational system is a failed system that needs complete reform.
Os críticos argumentam que o sistema educacional é um sistema falho que precisa de reforma completa.
3. a technical or mechanical structure that has malfunctioned or ceased operating
The failed system caused a complete shutdown of the factory.
O sistema falho causou um encerramento completo da fábrica.
In Brazil and the United States, 'failed system' is commonly used in political discourse, particularly when discussing education, healthcare, criminal justice, and public services. It reflects frustration with institutional inadequacies and is frequently invoked in social movements and reform debates.
NYC Slang
busted system
Synonyms / Sinônimos
broken systemdysfunctional systemmalfunctioning systemcollapsed systemdefunct system
Antonyms / Antônimos
functional systemworking systemefficient systemsuccessful systemoperational system

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
sistema falho
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
sistema que não funciona
More colloquial phrasing commonly used
São Paulo
sistema deficiente
Often used in business and academic contexts
Portugal
sistema avariado
Preferred term in European Portuguese; 'avariado' emphasizes damage or breakdown

Related Words

system failurebreakdownmalfunctioncollapsedysfunction

Related Idioms & Phrases

the system is broken
things falling apart
structural failure
house of cards
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →