A failure of a nation to meet bond repayments has been seen on many occasions.

Anywhere from 30% to total crop failure could be seen.

Its failure can be seen in the graveyards across Ulster.

The failure of successive governments to deal with these causes must be seen as a fundamental one.

At the same time, a failure could be seen as a stunning blow to global trade talks.

During the News strike, management's failure to maintain the paper's distribution was seen as a major victory for the union.

The failure of the recall would be seen as a vote of confidence.

Or, finally, his failure to adapt himself in 1944-46 could be seen as the product of a genuine idealism.

This failure to invest for the long term can be seen also in innovation, the development of new ideas and products.

A sudden and catastrophic failure was seen as the only explanation.