noun
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.
彼の小説は時代の弊を鋭く描いている。
His novel sharply depicts the abuses of the times.
改革派は時代の弊を正そうと努力した。
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.