poorly functioning system

[/ˈpʊrli ˈfʌŋkʃənɪŋ ˈsɪstəm/]
noun phrasepl: poorly functioning systems
sistema que funciona mal
1. A system, mechanism, or organization that does not operate effectively or efficiently; one that is broken, defective, or inadequate in performance
The poorly functioning system led to delays in processing applications.
O sistema que funciona mal resultou em atrasos no processamento de solicitações.
2. An infrastructure, process, or institution that fails to meet its intended purpose or operational standards
The country's poorly functioning system of public transportation frustrated commuters daily.
O sistema que funciona mal de transporte público do país frustrava os passageiros diariamente.
This phrase is commonly used in both American and Brazilian contexts to criticize institutional failures, whether in government, healthcare, education, or business. In Brazil, discussing 'sistemas que funcionam mal' is frequent in political discourse and social commentary. In the USA, this concept appears regularly in debates about government efficiency and public services.
NYC Slang
broken system, busted system, or colloquially 'the system's all messed up'
Synonyms / Sinônimos
defective systembroken systemmalfunctioning systeminefficient systemflawed systemdysfunctional system
Antonyms / Antônimos
well-functioning systemefficient systemeffective systemsmoothly operating system

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
sistema que funciona mal
Standard translation used across Brazil
São Paulo
sistema com defeito
Common alternative emphasizing the defective nature
Rio de Janeiro
sistema bagunçado
Colloquial usage meaning a messy or chaotic system
Portugal
sistema com mau funcionamento
European Portuguese preference for more formal phrasing

Related Words

malfunctiondysfunctionbreakdowninefficiencyfailureglitch

Related Idioms & Phrases

the system is broken
the system doesn't work
caught in a broken system
a system in disrepair
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