How to Say "failure" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “failure” is “fracaso” — use 'fracaso' for a general lack of success in a project, plan, or endeavor.
fracaso
frah-KAH-sohfɾaˈkaso
Examples
El proyecto fue un fracaso total después de dos años.
The project was a total failure after two years.
No tengas miedo al fracaso, es parte del aprendizaje.
Don't be afraid of failure; it's part of learning.
Su matrimonio terminó en fracaso.
His marriage ended in failure.
Using the Article
Like many abstract nouns in Spanish (ideas or feelings), 'fracaso' often needs the definite article ('el') when you are talking about the concept generally: 'El fracaso es duro.' (Failure is hard.)
Mixing up the Noun and Verb
Mistake: “Ella fracasó el examen.”
Correction: Remember 'fracaso' is the noun (the thing). To describe the action, use the verb 'fracasar': 'Ella fracasó en el examen' (She failed the exam).
fallo
fá-yoˈfa.ʎo
Examples
Hubo un fallo en el motor y tuvimos que parar.
There was a failure in the engine and we had to stop.
Este fallo de diseño es peligroso.
This design defect is dangerous.
Admitió su fallo y pidió disculpas.
He admitted his mistake and apologized.
Using 'Fallo' vs. 'Error'
'Fallo' often implies a mechanical or procedural malfunction, or a severe misjudgment. 'Error' is more general for minor mistakes.
Confusing Noun and Verb
Mistake: “Using 'fallo' (noun) when you mean the action of failing ('fallar').”
Correction: Remember 'fallo' is the thing (the mistake), 'fallar' is the action (to fail).
catástrofe
Examples
Mi primera cita fue una catástrofe; se me olvidó la cartera.
My first date was a disaster; I forgot my wallet.
fracasado
fra-ca-sá-dofɾakaˈsaðo
Examples
No quiero que pienses que soy un fracasado solo por este error.
I don't want you to think I'm a failure just because of this mistake.
Ella teme convertirse en una fracasada si no consigue ese trabajo.
She fears becoming a failure if she doesn't get that job.
Gender Mismatch
Mistake: “Using 'un fracasado' to refer to a woman.”
Correction: When using this word as a noun for a woman, you must use the feminine form: 'una fracasada'. This is the same structure as other nouns describing professions or people.
frustración
Examples
La frustración del plan fue culpa de la lluvia.
The thwarting of the plan was the rain's fault.
insuficiencia
een-soo-fee-syen-syahinsufiˈθjenθja
Examples
El abuelo tiene insuficiencia cardíaca.
Grandpa has heart failure.
La insuficiencia renal requiere un tratamiento constante.
Kidney failure requires constant treatment.
Medical Adjectives
When using the medical meaning, the adjective (like 'cardíaca' or 'renal') must match the feminine gender of 'insuficiencia'.
aborto
ah-BOR-tohaˈβoɾto
Examples
Ese edificio nuevo es un aborto de la arquitectura.
That new building is an architectural monstrosity.
El plan fue un aborto total; nada salió bien.
The plan was a total failure; nothing went right.
Using 'un' for emphasis
When calling something an 'aborto' to mean it's ugly, we almost always use 'es un...' to emphasize the comparison.
General Failure vs. Malfunction
Related Translations
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