αποτυχία
Lemma: αποτυχία
Translation: failure; defeat; fiasco; flop (noun)
Etymology: From από (apo-, 'away from') + τύχη (tychi, 'luck, fortune'). Related to English 'tyche' (fortune)
Mnemonics
- Think 'away from luck' (apo + tyche)
- Remember 'a-poor-touch-ia' - poor touch leads to failure
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in academic and professional contexts, particularly regarding examinations and business ventures
Easily Confused With
Explanation: ατυχία means 'misfortune' or 'bad luck', while αποτυχία specifically means 'failure'
This word:
Η αποτυχία του οφείλεται στην έλλειψη προετοιμασίας.
His failure is due to lack of preparation.
Confused word:
Είχε ατυχία που έβρεχε την ημέρα του πικνίκ.
It was bad luck that it rained on the day of the picnic.
Notes: αποτυχία implies responsibility or agency, while ατυχία implies circumstances beyond one's control
Mnemonic: αποτυχία has 'από' (complete separation from success), while ατυχία just lacks luck