long-standing issue

[/lɔːŋ ˈstændɪŋ ˈɪʃuː/]
noun phrasepl: long-standing issues
questão de longa data
1. A problem or matter that has existed or persisted for a considerable period of time
The water shortage is a long-standing issue that the government has failed to address.
A escassez de água é uma questão de longa data que o governo não conseguiu resolver.
2. A persistent disagreement or conflict that has been ongoing for many years
Border disputes remain a long-standing issue between the two nations.
As disputas de fronteira continuam sendo uma questão de longa data entre as duas nações.
This phrase is commonly used in political discourse, journalism, and formal discussions in both American and Brazilian contexts. In Brazil, 'questão de longa data' is frequently employed when discussing historical social issues such as inequality, land reform, and infrastructure problems. In the USA, it often appears in discussions about systemic problems like healthcare, immigration, or racial justice. The phrase conveys a sense of institutional failure or societal neglect, implying that resolution has been inadequate or delayed.
NYC Slang
old beef / old issue
Synonyms / Sinônimos
persistent problemenduring matterchronic issuedeep-rooted problemongoing concern
Antonyms / Antônimos
recent issuenew problememerging concernnewly-arisen issue

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
questão de longa data
Most common and formal translation used in official and journalistic contexts
Brazil - Informal
problema antigo
More colloquial alternative in everyday conversation
Portugal
questão antiga
Portuguese variant, sometimes preferred in European Portuguese
Brazil - Academic
questão histórica
Used in academic discourse emphasizing the historical nature of the issue

Related Words

longstanding disputehistorical grievanceunresolved matterchronic problempersistent challengedeep-seated conflict

Related Idioms & Phrases

a thorn in one's side
the elephant in the room
a bone of contention
festering wound
unfinished business
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