dysfunctional systems

[/dɪsˈfʌŋkʃənəl ˈsɪstəmz/]
nounpl: dysfunctional systems
sistemas disfuncionais
1. Organizations, processes, or structures that fail to operate effectively or do not achieve their intended purpose, often characterized by poor communication, inefficiency, or unhealthy patterns
The company struggled with dysfunctional systems that prevented timely decision-making.
A empresa enfrentava sistemas disfuncionais que impediam a tomada de decisões em tempo hábil.
2. In psychology and sociology, social or family structures that are characterized by unhealthy relationships, poor communication, or inability to meet members' needs
Children raised in dysfunctional systems often struggle with trust and relationships later in life.
Crianças criadas em sistemas disfuncionais frequentemente enfrentam dificuldades com confiança e relacionamentos mais tarde na vida.
3. Technical or organizational frameworks that are broken, inefficient, or unable to perform core functions
The government's dysfunctional systems led to widespread corruption and mismanagement.
Os sistemas disfuncionais do governo levaram à corrupção generalizada e má administração.
The term 'dysfunctional systems' is widely used in both Brazilian and American contexts, particularly in discussions of corporate management, family therapy, government reform, and social science. In Brazil, it's increasingly common in organizational development and public administration discourse. In the USA, it's prevalent in corporate culture, psychology, and political commentary. The phrase reflects growing awareness of systemic issues rather than individual failures.
NYC Slang
broken systems / messed-up systems
Synonyms / Sinônimos
broken systemsmalfunctioning systemsineffective systemsunhealthy systemsimpaired systemsfaulty systems
Antonyms / Antônimos
functional systemsefficient systemshealthy systemswell-functioning systemseffective systems

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
sistemas disfuncionais
Standard term used across Brazil in organizational and social contexts
São Paulo
sistemas que não funcionam / sistemas quebrados
More colloquial usage in business contexts
Rio de Janeiro
sistemas disfuncionais / sistemas fora do ar
Common in technical and administrative discussions
Portugal
sistemas disfuncionais / sistemas desadequados
European Portuguese variant, sometimes uses 'desadequados' for inadequate systems

Related Words

dysfunctionmalfunctioninefficiencyorganizational failuresystemic problemsbreakdowncollapse

Related Idioms & Phrases

a house divided against itself
a system in collapse
things falling apart
when systems break down
systemic failure
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