fallo

failure, fault

noun FAH-yoh Less Common

Also means

ruling, verdict

Usage Note

Fallo has two distinct meanings depending on context: in everyday speech it is a 'failure' or 'mistake' (un fallo técnico, a technical fault); in legal and official language it is a 'ruling' or 'verdict' (el fallo del tribunal, the court's ruling). Do not confuse with falla (a crack, a geological fault, or the Valencian festival), which is a different noun.

Examples

"El partido se perdió por un fallo del portero."

Natural Translation

The match was lost because of the goalkeeper's mistake.

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