extraordinary circumstances

[/ɪkˈstrɔːrdəneri ˈsɜːrkəmstænsɪz/]
noun phrase
circunstâncias extraordinárias
1. Unusual, remarkable, or exceptional conditions or situations that are not ordinary or expected; events or factors that go beyond what is normal or typical
The court allowed the testimony under extraordinary circumstances.
O tribunal permitiu o depoimento sob circunstâncias extraordinárias.
2. In legal context, conditions that justify exceptions to normal rules or procedures
Due to extraordinary circumstances, the company was granted an extension on the deadline.
Devido às circunstâncias extraordinárias, a empresa recebeu uma prorrogação do prazo.
This phrase is frequently used in both American and Brazilian legal and formal contexts. In Brazil, it appears regularly in legal documents, business communications, and government decrees. During the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises, this phrase became especially common in both countries when institutions needed to justify departures from standard procedures. The term carries significant weight in formal discourse and typically indicates that normal rules or expectations are being suspended.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
exceptional circumstancesunusual circumstancesspecial circumstancesuncommon conditionsremarkable conditions
Antonyms / Antônimos
ordinary circumstancesnormal circumstancestypical circumstancescommon conditions

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
circunstâncias extraordinárias
Standard usage in formal and legal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
circunstâncias extraordinárias / situações fora do comum
Both forms used interchangeably in casual and formal speech
São Paulo
circunstâncias extraordinárias
Commonly used in business and legal documents
Portugal
circunstâncias extraordinárias
Identical usage; formal legal and administrative contexts

Related Words

extraordinarycircumstanceexceptionalunusualexceptionsituation

Related Idioms & Phrases

under extraordinary circumstances
in extraordinary circumstances
given the extraordinary circumstances
due to extraordinary circumstances
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