1. An actual, genuine failure as opposed to a perceived or minor setback; a substantial or significant failure in reality
Losing the championship was a real failure for the team after months of preparation.
Perder o campeonato foi um fracasso real para o time após meses de preparação.
2. A failure that has tangible consequences or actual impact, not merely theoretical or hypothetical
The project wasn't a real failure; we just missed the deadline by a few days.
O projeto não foi um fracasso real; apenas perdemos o prazo por alguns dias.