inelegant solution

[ɪn'ɛlɪɡənt sə'luːʃən]
noun phrasepl: inelegant solutions
solução inelegante
1. A resolution to a problem that works but lacks sophistication, efficiency, or aesthetic appeal; a solution that is functional but crude or awkward
The programmer's inelegant solution used nested loops instead of a more efficient algorithm, but it got the job done.
A solução inelegante do programador usou loops aninhados em vez de um algoritmo mais eficiente, mas funcionou.
2. In technical or academic contexts, a method or approach that achieves the desired result through brute force rather than intelligent design
While the inelegant solution solved the immediate problem, it created technical debt for future maintenance.
Embora a solução inelegante resolvesse o problema imediato, ela criou débito técnico para manutenção futura.
In Brazilian tech and engineering communities, 'gambiarra' is the colloquial term most frequently used instead of the literal translation. This reflects Brazilian culture's pragmatic and creative approach to problem-solving. In the USA and international tech communities, 'inelegant solution' is used more formally in code reviews and technical discussions to indicate that while functional, a more refined approach would be preferable.
NYC Slang
a hack; a bodge job; a kludge
Synonyms / Sinônimos
clumsy solutioncrude solutionbrute force solutionhackworkaroundquick fixinelegant fix
Antonyms / Antônimos
elegant solutionrefined solutionsophisticated approachpolished fix

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
solução inelegante
Standard term used in tech and academic contexts
Brazil (informal)
gambiarra
Colloquial term for a makeshift or inelegant solution, very common in everyday speech
São Paulo (tech sector)
solução inelegante / solução de força bruta
More formal in tech companies and startups
Portugal
solução inelegante / solução de recurso
Equivalent term, sometimes uses 'solução de recurso' for improvised solutions

Related Words

algorithmworkaroundkludgepatchoptimizationefficiency

Related Idioms & Phrases

brute force approach
quick and dirty solution
patch it up
band-aid fix
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