This is the 946th most frequent Swedish word.
totala
"Totala" in English means "total" or "complete."
Here, 'totala' is an adjective that describes the noun 'kostnaden', modifying it to specify that it's the complete or aggregate cost.
Den totala kostnaden för resan var hög.
The total cost of the trip was high.
In this example, 'totala' modifies 'beloppet', indicating that it refers to the entire sum or full amount.
Totala beloppet ska betalas innan nästa månad.
The total amount must be paid before next month.
In this sentence, 'totala' again acts as an adjective, describing the extent of 'misslyckandet', emphasizing the absolute nature of the failure.