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broken system

[/ˈbroʊkən ˈsɪstəm/]
nounpl: broken systems
sistema quebrado / sistema deficiente
1. A system that is no longer functioning properly or effectively; an institution or structure that fails to serve its intended purpose
The healthcare system in that country is a broken system that needs major reforms.
O sistema de saúde daquele país é um sistema quebrado que precisa de grandes reformas.
2. An organizational or procedural structure that has fundamental flaws and produces poor outcomes
Many argue that the criminal justice system is a broken system.
Muitos argumentam que o sistema de justiça criminal é um sistema deficiente.
NYC Slang
messed-up system / busted system
Synonyms
dysfunctional systemfailed systemflawed systemdefective systemmalfunctioning system
Antonyms
functional systemeffective systemwell-oiled systemworking system

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
sistema quebrado / sistema deficiente
Most common usage in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
sistema quebrado
Informal, colloquial usage
São Paulo
sistema deficiente / sistema disfuncional
More formal, business-oriented usage
Portugal
sistema danificado / sistema deficiente
Formal and informal contexts

Related Idioms & Phrases

the system is broken
a broken cog in the machine
fix the broken system
work within a broken system
a system that doesn't work
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