Originally a military term for defeat or rout, this noun describes loss or diminishment of any kind. Paul uses it twice in pointed ways. Romans 11:12 reasons, 'Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!'—Israel's 'defeat' (rejection of Messiah) paradoxically brought gospel blessing to nations, so their restoration will bring even greater blessing. In 1 Corinthians 6:7, Paul says Christian lawsuits against each other represent 'an utter failure' (or defeat)—they've already lost by suing. The word marks spiritual and strategic loss.