unsolvable problem

[/ʌnˈsɒlvəbəl ˈprɒbləm/]
noun phrasepl: unsolvable problems
problema insolúvel
1. A problem that cannot be solved or resolved; a situation with no viable solution
The math teacher presented an unsolvable problem to test the students' critical thinking skills.
O professor de matemática apresentou um problema insolúvel para testar as habilidades de pensamento crítico dos alunos.
2. A difficult or seemingly impossible situation that has no clear resolution
The company faces an unsolvable problem balancing profit margins with environmental concerns.
A empresa enfrenta um problema insolúvel ao equilibrar margens de lucro com preocupações ambientais.
Both American and Brazilian English/Portuguese speakers use this term to describe situations viewed as mathematically, logically, or practically impossible. In academic and business contexts, it's often used metaphorically to describe real-world dilemmas with no satisfactory resolution. The phrase reflects a common understanding that some problems genuinely defy solution.
NYC Slang
a no-win situation; an impossible ask
Synonyms / Sinônimos
intractable problemimpossible problemunresolvable probleminexplicable problemproblem with no solution
Antonyms / Antônimos
solvable problemtractable problemsoluble problemresolvable problem

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
problema insolúvel
Standard term used throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
problema insolúvel / problema sem solução
Both forms commonly used in colloquial speech
São Paulo
problema insolúvel
Preferred formal term in business and academic contexts
Portugal
problema insolúvel
Same term used; sometimes 'problema sem solução' in casual speech

Related Words

problematicresolutiondilemmaconundrumimpassedeadlock

Related Idioms & Phrases

catch-22
between a rock and a hard place
estar entre a espada e a parede (Portuguese equivalent)
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