| DUD | Device that fails to operate or explode (informal) (3) |
| CUTOFF | The point at which something ceases to operate or apply (3-3) |
| GETTHEHANGOF | Learn how to operate or do (3,3,4,2) |
| CONKOUT | The sound of a stalling petrol engine gave us what expression for stopping to operate or function? (4,3) |
| GOOFF | Begin to decompose or explode (2,3) |
| FUSED | Wired to melt or explode (5) |
| BLOWUP | Inflate or explode (4,2) |
| AIRSHOT | In golf, cricket or other sports, a stroke that fails to connect with the ball (3,4) |
| DAMPSQUIB | An event or performance that fails to be as interesting or impressive as expected (4,5) |
| SQUIB | A firework such as a figurative damp example alluding to something that fails to go off with a bang; a lampoon; or, a paltry individual (5) |
| FLUSH | Busted ____, informal term for a person or thing that fails to fulfil its early promise (5) |
| BLANKS | Flans from which coins are minted; dashes in place of obscene or taboo words; lottery tickets that fail to win prizes; or, dominoes, Scrabble tiles etc without pips or letters (6) |
| NONSTARTER | Horse that fails to run (3-7) |
| FARMERS | People who operate or manage a tract of land which is cultivated or used to rear livestock (7) |
| PLAYBALL | Informal term for 'co-operate' or 'work willingly with others' (4,4) |
| TCOPE | An area in which something acts or operates or has power or control. |
| ALSORAN | A horse that fails to finish in the top three in a race (4-3) |
| BORE | Severn phenomenon that fails to generate interest? (4) |
| AFFRAY | Fish seen beside restaurant that fails to open resulting in quarrel (6) |
| PARATHA | Soldier that fails to finish part of Indian meal |
