think of one word only which can be used appropriately in all three sentences
1. August car sales fell.....................of the industry's expectations.
The party was nothing.....................of a disaster.
Kate's disorganized, inefficient, never there when you want her - in...................., she's a
pain
2.Her novels can't .................... (= are not as good as) those of her sister.
There was a .....................of irony/humour in her voice.
I didn't see any news all the time I was on holiday, so I'm completely out of .....................
3. It has been a particularly .....................year for the education department.
We may have to .....................on them a little if we want our money.
The company is driven by technological advances and a....................-and-mean mentality