adverb
in short; the point is; basically
Used to summarize or get to the core of a matter. Often appears at the beginning of a sentence or clause to introduce a conclusion or rephrase something more simply.
要は、努力が足りなかったということだ。
In short, it means you didn't put in enough effort.
要は、何が言いたいの?
Basically, what are you trying to say?