longstanding abuse; deep-rooted evil
Refers to a chronic, systemic problem or corrupt practice that has persisted for a long time. Often used in formal or critical contexts about institutions, organizations, or societies.
Reforming the longstanding abuses in that organization is not easy.
We must sweep away the deep-rooted evils in politics.
Compound of 宿 (しゅく, 'long-standing, chronic') and 弊 (へい, 'evil, abuse'). The kanji combination directly conveys the meaning of a persistent, deep-rooted problem.