systemic problem
/sɪˈstɛmɪk ˈprɒbləm/ · sys·tem·ic prob·lem
noun
- A difficulty or defect that is inherent to, or affects, an entire system rather than just a single component. The committee concluded that the school’s low graduation rates were a systemic problem, not merely the result of a few underperforming teachers.
Synonyms
structural issueinstitutional flawdeep‑rooted issuefundamental defectsystem‑wide problemendemic problemroot causepervasive issue
Antonyms
Did you know? The phrase "systemic problem" gained prominence in the 1970s corporate and policy literature, where it was used to argue that reforms must address whole‑system dynamics rather than superficial fixes.