sensitive problem

[/ˈsɛnsɪtɪv ˈprɑbləm/]
noun phrasepl: sensitive problems
problema sensível
1. An issue or situation that requires careful handling due to its delicate nature, potential to cause offense, or emotional significance
Climate change has become a sensitive problem in international politics.
Mudanças climáticas tornaram-se um problema sensível na política internacional.
2. A matter involving personal, cultural, religious, or political aspects that people feel strongly about
Religion and politics are sensitive problems that families often avoid discussing.
Religião e política são problemas sensíveis que as famílias frequentemente evitam discutir.
3. An issue requiring tact, diplomacy, and discretion in treatment
The manager handled the sensitive problem of workplace discrimination with great care.
O gerente lidou com o problema sensível da discriminação no local de trabalho com muito cuidado.
In Brazilian culture, discussions about sensitive problems often emphasize social harmony and avoiding confrontation. In American contexts, there is more direct engagement with sensitive topics, though workplace and diplomatic settings still require careful handling. Portuguese culture tends toward more formality when addressing sensitive problems in professional settings.
NYC Slang
touchy subject / hot topic
Synonyms / Sinônimos
delicate mattertouchy subjectcontentious issuedelicate issuetricky situationthorny problem
Antonyms / Antônimos
straightforward problemsimple issueuncontroversial matter

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
problema sensível
Standard usage across all of Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
assunto delicado
More colloquial alternative commonly used
São Paulo
questão sensível
Business and formal contexts prefer this variation
Portugal
questão sensível / assunto delicado
Both terms are used; 'questão sensível' preferred in formal contexts

Related Words

diplomacytactfulnessdiscretioncontroversycontroversydelicacy

Related Idioms & Phrases

walk on eggshells around someone
put one's foot in one's mouth
break the ice
touch a nerve
open a can of worms
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