der Missstand
Translation
grievance, deplorable state of affairs, malpractice, shortcoming
Examples
Die Journalisten deckten die Missstände auf.
The journalists uncovered the malpractice.
Es gibt viele Missstände in diesem System.
There are many shortcomings in this system.
Wir müssen diese Missstände beseitigen.
We must eliminate these grievances.
Grammar Patterns
to uncover a grievance ((et4)) The press uncovered the grievance.
to eliminate a grievance ((et4)) The government is trying to eliminate the grievances.
Similar Words
Mangel (lack), Übel (evil, ill), Fehler (mistake), Defizit (deficit)
Etymology
From the prefix 'Miss-' (wrong, bad) and 'Stand' (state, condition). Literally a 'bad state'.
Memory Tips
Think of something 'missing' from a proper 'stand'ard, leading to a deplorable state of affairs.