cosmetic adjustment
[kɑːzˈmɛtɪk əˈdʒʌstmənt]
nounpl: cosmetic adjustments
ajuste cosmético
1. A minor change or modification made to improve appearance without altering the fundamental nature or function of something
The company made only cosmetic adjustments to the product design rather than addressing the underlying performance issues.
A empresa fez apenas ajustes cosméticos no design do produto em vez de resolver os problemas de desempenho subjacentes.
2. A superficial or surface-level modification that does not solve core problems
The government's new policy was criticized as a cosmetic adjustment that failed to tackle systemic corruption.
A nova política do governo foi criticada como um ajuste cosmético que não enfrentou a corrupção sistêmica.
3. In business and finance, a small change to financial statements or reports that improves presentation without changing actual values
The accountant recommended cosmetic adjustments to reorganize the balance sheet for better clarity.
O contador recomendou ajustes cosméticos para reorganizar o balanço patrimonial com maior clareza.
This term is commonly used in American business culture to describe superficial improvements that lack substance, often with a critical connotation. In Brazilian Portuguese contexts, it's frequently employed in corporate, governmental, and journalistic discourse to critique insufficient or inadequate solutions. The expression carries the implication that while something may look better on the surface, the underlying problems remain unresolved.
NYC Slang
window dressing, fake-out, quick fix
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