sustained obstacle

[səˈsteɪnd ˈɑbstəkəl]
noun phrasepl: sustained obstacles
obstáculo persistente
1. A barrier or difficulty that continues over an extended period and impedes progress or achievement
The sustained obstacle of poverty prevented many families from accessing quality education.
O obstáculo persistente da pobreza impediu que muitas famílias tivessem acesso a uma educação de qualidade.
2. In sports or competition, an ongoing challenge that prevents an athlete or team from succeeding
Injuries became a sustained obstacle for the team throughout the entire season.
As lesões se tornaram um obstáculo persistente para o time durante toda a temporada.
3. A prolonged structural or systemic barrier that resists easy resolution
Discrimination remains a sustained obstacle to workplace equality.
A discriminação permanece um obstáculo persistente para a igualdade no local de trabalho.
This phrase is commonly used in both American and Brazilian contexts when discussing social issues, sports performance, and systemic challenges. In Brazil, discussions of sustained obstacles frequently relate to socioeconomic inequality and infrastructure limitations. In the USA, the phrase is often employed in policy discussions, social commentary, and motivational contexts.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
persistent barrierchronic impedimentongoing difficultyprolonged setbackenduring challenge
Antonyms / Antônimos
temporary obstaclefleeting difficultymomentary setbackbrief impediment

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
obstáculo persistente
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
obstáculo que não sai
Colloquial variation meaning 'obstacle that doesn't go away'
São Paulo
empecilho contínuo
More formal business context usage
Portugal
obstáculo duradouro
European Portuguese preference for 'duradouro' over 'persistente'

Related Words

obstructionhindranceimpedimentbarrierchallengedifficulty

Related Idioms & Phrases

a thorn in one's side
an uphill battle
a stumbling block
uma pedra no caminho
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →