insufficient steps

[ɪn.səˈfɪʃ.ənt stɛps]
noun phrase
passos insuficientes
1. An inadequate number of actions, measures, or procedures taken to achieve a goal or address a problem
The government's insufficient steps to combat climate change have drawn criticism from environmental groups.
Os passos insuficientes do governo para combater as mudanças climáticas foram criticados por grupos ambientalistas.
2. Not enough progress or advancement toward a desired outcome
Insufficient steps were taken in the investigation, leaving many questions unanswered.
Passos insuficientes foram dados na investigação, deixando muitas questões sem resposta.
3. Inadequate distance covered or number of movements completed in a physical or literal sense
The patient's insufficient steps during physical therapy indicated slow recovery progress.
Os passos insuficientes do paciente durante a fisioterapia indicaram um progresso lento na recuperação.
This phrase is commonly used in both American and Brazilian Portuguese contexts in formal discourse, particularly in governmental, academic, and journalistic settings when discussing policy implementation, progress monitoring, or problem-solving initiatives. In Brazil, it frequently appears in political commentary and social discussions about governmental action.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
inadequate measuresinsufficient progresslimited actionsincomplete stepshalf-measures
Antonyms / Antônimos
sufficient stepsadequate measurescomprehensive actionsthorough progress

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
passos insuficientes
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
passos insuficientes / medidas insuficientes
Common in both formal and informal contexts
São Paulo
passos insuficientes / ações inadequadas
Often used in business and formal discourse
Portugal
passos insuficientes / medidas insuficientes
Identical usage to Brazilian Portuguese

Related Words

measureactionprogressadvancementinadequateshortcoming

Related Idioms & Phrases

taking half measures
falling short
not going far enough
dropping the ball
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