This is the 7897th most frequent Chinese word.
顽疾
A chronic or stubborn illness.
Here, '顽疾' metaphorically represents a persistent challenge or issue that is difficult to overcome.
这个村庄长期以来饱受水资源短缺的顽疾之苦。
This village has long suffered from the chronic issue of water scarcity.
In this instance, '顽疾' refers to a chronic health condition directly.
医生警告他要注意饮食，否则心脏疾病可能成为他的顽疾。
The doctor warned him to watch his diet, or heart disease might become his chronic condition.
The term '顽疾' here symbolizes deeply ingrained issues within a system or structure.