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underlying problem

[/ˌʌndərˈlaɪɪŋ ˈprɑːbləm/]
noun phrasepl: underlying problems
problema subjacente
1. A fundamental or root cause issue that exists beneath the surface of a more visible problem
The underlying problem with the project was poor communication between teams.
O problema subjacente do projeto era a falta de comunicação entre as equipes.
2. A deeper issue that must be addressed to solve a surface-level concern
We need to identify the underlying problem before we can implement a solution.
Precisamos identificar o problema subjacente antes de implementarmos uma solução.
Synonyms
root causefundamental issuecore problembase problemlatent issue
Antonyms
symptomsurface issueapparent problem

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
problema subjacente
Most common usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
problema de fundo
Colloquial alternative meaning 'background problem'
São Paulo
problema raiz
Technical/business context, borrowed from English 'root problem'
Portugal
problema subjacente
Standard usage, same as Brazil

Related Idioms & Phrases

get to the root of the problem
scratch the surface
dig deeper
address the core issue
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