Experienced a setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Experienced a setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone has faced a challenge or obstacle that has hindered progress or success. Example: "After months of hard work, the team experienced a setback when their main supplier went out of business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Since he first strained his right hamstring March 14, Reyes has experienced a setback every few weeks.

The New York Times - Sports

Russia also experienced a setback this week when one of the army commanders of its Grozny operation, Maj.

The New York Times

The party experienced a setback in 2005 when Rainsy fled the country before being convicted of criminal defamation against Hun Sen and Prince Ranariddh.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Jeff Keppinger, a long shot to win the second-base job, experienced a setback Sunday when he left camp with back spasms.

The New York Times

He was in line to become the closer, and still may, but he experienced a setback last week when he had back spasms.

The New York Times - Sports

Allstate has experienced a setback in the long-running dispute over its efforts to convert its career agents into independent contractors to streamline its business and cut costs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

To the extent that the left is experiencing a setback, its comeuppance is well overdue.

The Guardian

Then, when they experience a setback at work, they'll be more likely to take positive action.

The Washington Post

When we experience a setback at work, we tend to either become defensive and blame others, or berate ourselves.

Harvard Business Review

When we experience a setback, we tend to either become defensive and blame others, or berate ourselves.

Harvard Business Review

Dr. Olgin said that, for now, it was difficult to know when someone with heart failure was going to experience a setback.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "experienced a setback", consider adding context about the nature and impact of the setback to provide a clearer understanding.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences using "experienced a setback" in an overly passive way that obscures responsibility or agency. Instead of "The project experienced a setback", try "The team experienced a setback due to..." or "We experienced a setback when...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "experienced a setback" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of encountering a hindrance or reversal in progress, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

12.5%

Less common in

Academia

4.16%

Wiki

4.16%

Formal & Business

4.16%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "experienced a setback" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes encountering a temporary obstacle or reversal. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English. It is versatile across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. When using this phrase, it is best to provide context about the nature and impact of the setback. While suitable for formal use, avoiding overly passive phrasing enhances clarity and impact. Alternative phrases include "encountered a problem", "suffered a reversal", and "faced an obstacle".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Encountered a problem

Focuses on the problem itself rather than the experience of it.

Suffered a reversal

Implies a change in fortune or direction, often negative.

Faced an obstacle

Highlights the impediment that hindered progress.

Met with difficulty

Emphasizes the challenging nature of the situation.

Hit a roadblock

Suggests a complete halt or significant obstruction.

Ran into a difficulty

Highlights an unexpected challenging situation.

Underwent a hitch

Implies a temporary and usually minor disruption.

Had a stumble

Suggests a minor and temporary lapse or error.

Landed in trouble

Suggests a negative situation or predicament.

Stumbled upon a snag

Highlights an unexpected obstacle or complication.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "experienced a setback"?

To say someone "experienced a setback" means they encountered a temporary obstacle or reversal in their progress toward a goal. It implies a hindrance, but not necessarily a complete failure.

What are some alternative phrases for "experienced a setback"?

You can use alternatives such as "encountered a problem", "suffered a reversal", or "faced an obstacle" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "experienced a setback" in formal writing?

Yes, "experienced a setback" is suitable for formal writing. It's a neutral and professional way to describe a hindrance or reversal in progress.

How does "experienced a setback" differ from "failed"?

"Experienced a setback" implies a temporary halt or reversal, while "failed" suggests a complete lack of success. A setback is a temporary impediment, whereas failure is a final outcome.