Failed mechanics? Bad luck (9)
I believe the answer is:
mischance
'bad luck' is the definition.
(mischance is a kind of bad luck)
'failed mechanics?' is the wordplay.
'failed' indicates an anagram.
'mechanics' anagrammed gives 'MISCHANCE'.
(Other definitions for mischance that I've seen before include "Ill fortune" , "Unfortunate occurrence" , "Unfortunate business" , "Bad luck" , "Misadventure, mishap" .)