a calamitous setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a calamitous setback" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a significant and disastrous failure or obstacle that hinders progress. Example: "The project faced a calamitous setback when the main supplier went bankrupt, causing delays and financial strain."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

What is impossible to dispute is the calamitous setback to what had been a steady development of the Palestinian homelands.

The New York Times

It is a calamitous desire.

The New York Times - Books

Of course, that followed a calamitous decline.

The New York Times

"It's a calamitous mess.

The Guardian

If so, it was a calamitous mistake.

The Economist

It was a calamitous miscalculation for Syria and for Turkey.

Independent

Aid workers feared a calamitous battle for the city.

The Economist

Baghdad's hospitals were in a calamitous state.

The New Yorker

England finished on a high after a calamitous start.

The Guardian - Sport

It would undoubtedly exact a calamitous toll on the economy.

The Washington Post

"It has had a calamitous effect on converted peoples.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a calamitous setback", ensure the context clearly indicates the prior progress or expectations that have been severely disrupted. This emphasizes the gravity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a calamitous setback" for minor inconveniences or temporary delays. Reserve it for situations with significant and lasting negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a calamitous setback" functions as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific type of event. Since Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness, it can be used to describe an event that is both disastrous and hinders forward movement.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a calamitous setback" is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI indicates that it's suitable for describing a disastrous event that impedes progress, although real world examples are missing. It's a noun phrase designed to emphasize severity, leaning towards a neutral register suitable for formal contexts. Consider using related phrases like "a devastating reversal" or "a catastrophic failure" to provide nuance or variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a devastating reversal

Emphasizes the severe negative impact and complete change of fortune.

a disastrous turn of events

Focuses on the unexpected and negative shift in circumstances.

a catastrophic failure

Highlights the utter and disastrous nature of the failure.

a severe blow to progress

Highlights the impact on forward movement or improvement.

a crippling blow

Emphasizes the damaging and debilitating effect of the setback.

an unfortunate impediment

Highlights the negative impact or consequence.

a crushing disappointment

Focuses on the emotional impact of the setback, emphasizing the feeling of being overwhelmed by it.

a damaging regression

Highlights the backward movement and harm caused.

a destructive hold-up

Focuses on the damaging nature and stoppage caused by the setback.

a major impediment

Highlights the obstacle that has been created by the setback.

FAQs

What does "a calamitous setback" mean?

It refers to a disastrous and significant event that reverses progress or negatively impacts a situation severely.

How to use "a calamitous setback" in a sentence?

You can say, "The company experienced "a calamitous setback" when its primary factory was destroyed by the flood."

What can I say instead of "a calamitous setback"?

You can use alternatives like "a devastating reversal", "a catastrophic failure", or "a crushing disappointment" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a calamitous setback"?

Use it when describing a situation where there's been a sudden, significant, and overwhelmingly negative event that severely impedes progress or causes considerable damage.