wicked problem

[WIK-id PRAH-blem]
nounpl: wicked problems
problema perverso
1. A complex problem that is difficult or impossible to solve because of incomplete, contradictory, and changing requirements that are often difficult to recognize. It has no definitive formulation and any solution attempt may spawn new unforeseen problems.
Climate change is considered a wicked problem because it involves multiple stakeholders with conflicting interests and no single solution.
Mudança climática é considerada um problema perverso porque envolve múltiplos interessados com interesses conflitantes e nenhuma solução única.
2. A problem in which the solution depends on how the problem is defined, and the problem can be understood in multiple conflicting ways by different stakeholders.
Urban poverty is a wicked problem that requires coordinated efforts across education, healthcare, and economic development.
A pobreza urbana é um problema perverso que requer esforços coordenados em educação, saúde e desenvolvimento econômico.
The term 'wicked problem' originated in design and policy studies in the 1970s and has become increasingly prominent in business strategy, urban planning, and sustainability discussions in both English-speaking and Portuguese-speaking countries. In Brazil, it is commonly used in management education and public policy discussions. The term does not have a single perfect equivalent in Portuguese, with 'problema perverso' being the most established academic translation, though some prefer 'problema complexo' or 'problema mal-estruturado' depending on context.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
complex problemintractable problemill-defined problemmessy problemmultifaceted problem
Antonyms / Antônimos
tame problemwell-defined problemsimple problemtractable problem

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
problema perverso
Standard academic and professional term used in business and policy contexts
General Brazilian
problema complexo intratável
Alternative formal translation emphasizing complexity and difficulty
Portugal
problema perverso
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; used in academic and management discourse
Technical/Academic
problema mal definido
More literal translation emphasizing the ill-defined nature of the problem

Related Words

problem-solvingsystems thinkingstakeholder engagementiterative solutionadaptive management

Related Idioms & Phrases

no silver bullet solution
catch-22 situation
tangled web
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