earlier difficulties

[/ˈɜːr.li.ər ˈdɪf.ɪ.kəl.tiz/]
noun phrase
dificuldades anteriores
1. Problems, challenges, or obstacles that occurred at a previous time in the past
The company overcame earlier difficulties to become successful.
A empresa superou as dificuldades anteriores para se tornar bem-sucedida.
2. Hardships or complications that happened before a reference point in time
Despite the earlier difficulties in their relationship, they reconciled.
Apesar das dificuldades anteriores no relacionamento deles, eles se reconciliaram.
This phrase is commonly used in both American English and Brazilian Portuguese in formal contexts, such as business reports, historical narratives, and personal reflections. In Brazil, it may be more casually expressed as 'dificuldades de antes' in conversational speech, while formal writing maintains 'dificuldades anteriores'.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
prior challengespast obstaclesprevious problemsformer hardshipspreceding troubles
Antonyms / Antônimos
later successesfuture easesubsequent improvements

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
dificuldades anteriores
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
dificuldades de antes
More informal colloquial variant
São Paulo
dificuldades passadas
Alternative phrasing commonly used in business contexts
Portugal
dificuldades anteriores
Same as Brazilian Portuguese, standard European usage

Related Words

adversitychallengeobstaclehardshipcomplicationsetback

Related Idioms & Phrases

to put earlier difficulties behind
to overcome earlier difficulties
to learn from earlier difficulties
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