1. A malfunction or breakdown in a computer, mechanical, or organizational system that prevents it from operating correctly
The server experienced a system failure last night, causing the website to go offline.
O servidor sofreu uma falha do sistema ontem à noite, causando a queda do site.
2. The inability of an integrated set of components to perform its intended function
The power grid collapse was caused by a cascading system failure.
O colapso da rede elétrica foi causado por uma falha em cascata do sistema.