Noun
/sˈɪstəm ˈfeɪljər/
The term system failure refers to the condition in which a system, such as a computer, network, or mechanical structure, does not function as intended, resulting in a breakdown or malfunction. In common usage, it can indicate both technical failure (e.g., in computing or engineering) and broader systemic breakdowns in organizational or social contexts.
Frequency of Use: The term is frequently used in both oral speech and written context, especially in technical or professional discussions.
Oral vs. Written: It is prevalent in written contexts, such as reports, documentation, and articles, but can also appear in oral discussions, especially in workplaces related to IT, engineering, or crisis management.
The company's entire operation halted due to a system failure.
(Компания остановила свою работу из-за сбоя в системе.)
After the system failure, many customers lost their data unexpectedly.
(После сбоя в системе многие клиенты неожиданно потеряли свои данные.)
The investigation revealed that human error contributed to the system failure.
(Расследование показало, что человеческая ошибка способствовала сбою в системе.)
While system failure itself is not typically featured in idiomatic expressions, it is often part of discussions around systemic issues or failures. Here are some related idioms and expressions in which the term can be used.
When a critical system failure occurs, it's often the straw that breaks the camel's back.
(Когда происходит критический сбой системы, это часто становится последней каплей.)
We need to ensure that our backup protocols are in place to prevent a system failure from derailing our projects.
(Нам нужно убедиться, что наши протоколы резервного копирования налажены, чтобы предотвратить сбой системы, который может срывать наши проекты.)
The team held an emergency meeting to address the system failure before it spiraled out of control.
(Команда провела экстренное заседание, чтобы решить проблему сбоя в системе, прежде чем она выйдет из-под контроля.)
A system failure can often expose cracks in the organization’s structure.
(Сбой системы часто может обнаружить трещины в структуре организации.)
After the system failure, it became clear that there were deeper issues at play.
(После сбоя в системе стало ясно, что существуют более глубокие проблемы.)
The phrase system failure combines the word system, which originates from the Latin word systema and Greek sustēma, meaning "an organized whole" or "body of things working together," and failure, which comes from the Old French faillir, meaning "to fail" or "to make an error." The term has been used in English since the early 20th century to describe technical and operational breakdowns.
Synonyms: - Breakdown - Malfunction - Collapse - Crash
Antonyms: - Functioning - Success - Stability - Operation