entangled problems

[ɪnˈtæŋɡəld ˈprɑːbləmz]
noun phrasepl: entangled problems
problemas entrelaçados
1. Complex issues or difficulties that are interconnected and difficult to separate or solve individually
The city faces entangled problems of poverty, crime, and inadequate education.
A cidade enfrenta problemas entrelaçados de pobreza, criminalidade e educação inadequada.
2. Situations where multiple problems are so intertwined that solving one requires addressing the others
Climate change and economic development present entangled problems for developing nations.
Mudança climática e desenvolvimento econômico apresentam problemas entrelaçados para nações em desenvolvimento.
This phrase is frequently used in academic, policy, and business discussions in both Brazil and the USA when discussing social, economic, or environmental challenges. It reflects an understanding that modern problems rarely exist in isolation and require systemic solutions rather than single-issue approaches.
NYC Slang
a hot mess of interconnected issues
Synonyms / Sinônimos
interconnected problemsintertwined issuescomplex problemstangled difficultiesmultifaceted challenges
Antonyms / Antônimos
simple problemsisolated issuesindependent challengesseparate difficulties

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
problemas entrelaçados
Standard usage in formal and informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
problemas entrelaçados / questões enredadas
Both terms are commonly used in local academic and business discourse
São Paulo
problemas complexos interconectados
Slightly more formal variation preferred in corporate settings
Portugal
problemas entrelaçados / questões enredadas
Similar usage to Brazilian Portuguese, though 'questões' is slightly more common in European Portuguese

Related Words

entanglementproblem-solvingsystemic issuesinterconnected challengescomplexityinterdependence

Related Idioms & Phrases

tangled web
can of worms
Gordian knot
a Catch-22 situation
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