crumbling infrastructure

[ˈkrʌmblɪŋ ɪnˈfrəstrʌktʃər]
noun phrase
infraestrutura em deterioração
1. Public systems and facilities (roads, bridges, utilities, public transportation) that are aging, damaged, and in poor condition due to lack of maintenance or investment
The city's crumbling infrastructure has become a major concern for residents and city officials.
A infraestrutura em deterioração da cidade se tornou uma preocupação importante para moradores e autoridades.
2. Physical structures and systems that are deteriorating and require urgent repair or replacement
Years of underinvestment have left the nation with crumbling infrastructure affecting transportation and utilities.
Anos de subinvestimento deixaram o país com infraestrutura em deterioração afetando transportes e serviços públicos.
This phrase is widely used in both American and Brazilian political discourse to describe systemic urban and national problems. In Brazil, it frequently refers to issues with roads, public transportation, and utilities in major cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. In the USA, it's a common political talking point regarding roads, bridges, and water systems. The term has gained prominence in public policy discussions in both countries as aging infrastructure becomes increasingly problematic.
NYC Slang
pothole city; falling apart at the seams
Synonyms / Sinônimos
deteriorating infrastructureaging infrastructuredecaying infrastructuredilapidated infrastructureneglected infrastructure
Antonyms / Antônimos
modern infrastructurewell-maintained infrastructurestate-of-the-art infrastructurerobust infrastructure

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
infraestrutura em deterioração
Most common and formal usage across Brazil
General Brazilian Portuguese
infraestrutura decadente
Alternative formal expression commonly used
São Paulo
infraestrutura em ruínas
More emphatic expression used in urban contexts
Portugal
infraestrutura em degradação
Preferred usage in European Portuguese

Related Words

infrastructure decayurban decaymaintenance deficitpublic worksinfrastructure investmentstructural damagedeterioration

Related Idioms & Phrases

infrastructure in dire need of repair
falling apart at the seams
infrastructure deficit
backlog of infrastructure repairs
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