Điền từ thích hợp vào chỗ chấm

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