special difficulty

[/ˈspɛʃəl ˈdɪfɪkəlti/]
noun phrasefeminine (dificuldade)pl: special difficulties / dificuldades especiais
dificuldade especial
1. A particular problem or obstacle that is more challenging than usual or requires specific attention
The student faces a special difficulty in mathematics that requires tutoring.
O estudante enfrenta uma dificuldade especial em matemática que requer aulas particulares.
2. A circumstance or condition that presents an unusual challenge or hardship
The company encountered special difficulties during the pandemic.
A empresa enfrentou dificuldades especiais durante a pandemia.
3. In educational or legal contexts, a specific learning disorder or disability
Children with special difficulties may qualify for additional educational support.
Crianças com dificuldades especiais podem se qualificar para apoio educacional adicional.
In Brazil, the term 'dificuldade especial' is commonly used in educational policies and legal documents, particularly in discussions about inclusive education and special education services. The term reflects a shift toward more inclusive language that acknowledges specific challenges rather than using potentially stigmatizing terms. In the USA, 'special difficulty' is often replaced by 'special needs' or 'learning disability' in modern educational discourse.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
obstaclechallengehardshipbarrierimpedimentcomplication
Antonyms / Antônimos
easesimplicityadvantagefacility

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
dificuldade especial
Standard term used in education and formal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
dificuldade especial / dificuldade particular
Both terms are commonly used interchangeably
São Paulo
dificuldade especial
Preferred in business and academic settings
Portugal
dificuldade especial / dificuldade específica
Both used; 'específica' may be slightly more common in formal Portuguese

Related Words

learning disabilityspecial needsaccommodationchallengeproblemadversity

Related Idioms & Phrases

face a special difficulty
overcome a special difficulty
encounter special difficulties
have special difficulties with something
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