substantive problem
[səbˈstæntɪv ˈprɑːbləm]
noun phrasepl: substantive problems
problema substantivo
1. A significant, fundamental, or serious issue that requires substantial attention and resolution, as opposed to superficial or procedural concerns
The committee addressed the substantive problem of inadequate funding rather than debating meeting logistics.
O comitê abordou o problema substantivo da falta de financiamento em vez de debater procedimentos administrativos.
2. A core or essential difficulty that affects the fundamental nature or purpose of something
We cannot ignore the substantive problem with the software's core architecture.
Não podemos ignorar o problema substantivo com a arquitetura central do software.
3. In legal and policy contexts, a matter of substance or merit rather than form or procedure
The court ruled on the substantive problem of liability before considering procedural objections.
O tribunal decidiu sobre o problema substantivo de responsabilidade antes de considerar objeções procedimentais.
This term is widely used in American legal, academic, and business discourse to distinguish between matters of real consequence and technical or procedural formalities. In Brazilian Portuguese contexts, particularly in legal and administrative settings, 'problema substantivo' reflects the influence of English-language legal terminology and is considered formal and professional language.
Related Idioms & Phrases
get to the substantive problem
address substantive problems head-on
separate substantive problems from procedural issues
substantive versus procedural matters
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