denied problem

[dɪˈnaɪd ˈprɑːbləm]
noun phrasepl: denied problems
problema negado
1. A problem or issue that someone refuses to acknowledge, accept, or admit the existence of
His addiction was a denied problem that affected his entire family.
Seu vício era um problema negado que afetava toda a sua família.
2. An issue that is deliberately suppressed, minimized, or ignored by an individual or group
Climate change remains a denied problem in some political circles.
A mudança climática permanece um problema negado em alguns círculos políticos.
3. A psychological or social issue that someone refuses to confront or take responsibility for
The denied problem of workplace harassment finally came to light.
O problema negado do assédio no trabalho finalmente veio à tona.
This phrase is commonly used in therapeutic, academic, and social discourse in both the USA and Brazil when discussing mental health, family dynamics, and systemic issues. It reflects a growing awareness of how denial perpetuates problems and the importance of confronting difficult truths for personal and collective healing.
NYC Slang
swept under the rug; elephant in the room
Synonyms / Sinônimos
unacknowledged problemsuppressed issueignored problemdisowned problemunrecognized difficulty
Antonyms / Antônimos
acknowledged problemrecognized issueaccepted difficultyadmitted problem

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
problema negado
Standard term used across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
problema que ninguém admite
More colloquial phrasing in casual speech
São Paulo
questão ignorada; problema enrustido
May use more direct or emphatic expressions
Portugal
problema negado; assunto evitado
Similar usage to Brazilian Portuguese with slight variations in emphasis

Related Words

denialproblem avoidancecognitive dissonancewillful ignorancerepression

Related Idioms & Phrases

the elephant in the room
turn a blind eye to
bury one's head in the sand
ignore the writing on the wall
problem in denial
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