abuses of the times; evils of the age
Refers to social ills, corrupt practices, or systemic problems characteristic of a particular era. Often used in critical or historical commentary.
His novel sharply depicts the abuses of the times.
The reformers strove to correct the evils of the age.
時弊 is a shorter synonym with the same meaning, but 時代の弊 is more explicit and slightly more formal.
Compound of 時代 (jidai, 'era, times') + の (no, possessive particle) + 弊 (hei, 'evil, harmful practice'). The kanji 弊 carries a sense of corruption or abuse.