a crushing setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a crushing setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant and discouraging failure or obstacle that hinders progress. Example: "After months of preparation, the unexpected cancellation of the event was a crushing setback for the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

That would be a crushing setback.

The Economist

For lesser sides, it might have been a crushing setback.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet what followed, for Villa, was a crushing setback.

The Guardian - Sport

"For many people of wealth, they've had a crushing setback as well".

The New York Times

The scandal has dealt a crushing setback to Mr. Roh and his supporters.

The New York Times

It was also a crushing setback for the American team, which he did not say and did not need to.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Asked if the crushing setback had taken the UK closer to an EU exit, Mr Cameron told a press conference: "The job has got harder of keeping Britain in a reformed Europe.

Independent

As Andy Dawson confirmed, the psychological challenge involved will be immense, particularly in the wake of ­Saturday's crushing setback.

The Guardian - Sport

Most regarded the game, in which a Günter Netzer-inspired West Germany passed and passed and passed and made England look lumberingly Neanderthal by comparison, as England's most crushing setback since the 6-3 defeatoto Hungary.

The Guardian - Sport

Whatever happens though, he regards Saturday's trip to his old club, Bolton, as "must win". As Andy Dawson confirmed, the psychological challenge involved will be immense, particularly in the wake of ­Saturday's crushing setback.

The Guardian - Sport

On the other hand, the new Italian government, led by Massimo D'Alema, has not been labouring its view that the rule limiting national budget deficits within the euro-zone to 3% of GDP will need to be "interpreted".Altogether it was hardly a victory for Wim Duisenberg, the ECB's first president but at least it was not the crushing setback he might have feared.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a crushing setback", ensure the context clearly establishes what was expected or hoped for, making the disappointment more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "a crushing setback" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where the negative consequences are genuinely significant and have far-reaching effects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a crushing setback" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing significant negative events or obstacles that impede progress or success.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Sports

21%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a crushing setback" is a noun phrase used to describe a particularly significant and discouraging failure or obstacle. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly employed, particularly in contexts such as news, sports, and formal business communications. While alternatives like "a devastating blow" or "a major disappointment" exist, "a crushing setback" provides a specific emphasis on the hindering and disheartening nature of the event. Remember to reserve this phrase for truly significant situations to avoid overstating the impact of minor inconveniences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a devastating blow

Focuses more on the impact as something that severely hurts or damages.

a major disappointment

Highlights the feeling of sadness and unfulfillment resulting from unmet expectations.

a significant impediment

Emphasizes the hindering aspect of the setback, portraying it as a considerable obstacle.

a severe reversal

Underscores the change in fortune or progress, indicating a turn for the worse.

a crippling blow

Suggests a more long-term or permanent negative impact, implying a lasting disability or damage.

a bitter disappointment

Adds an element of emotional pain and regret to the disappointment.

a heavy blow

Indicates the setback feels weighty and burdensome.

a calamitous event

Implies a disaster or catastrophe, emphasizing the severity of the negative occurrence.

a grave misfortune

Highlights the unfortunate nature of the event with a sense of solemnity.

an unfortunate turn of events

Downplays the intensity slightly, focusing on the unexpected and unwelcome change in circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "a crushing setback" in a sentence?

Use "a crushing setback" to describe a significant and discouraging failure or obstacle. For example: "The team's loss in the final game was "a crushing setback" after a season of hard work".

What phrases are similar to "a crushing setback"?

You can use alternatives like "a devastating blow", "a major disappointment", or "a significant impediment" to express similar ideas.

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

Yes, "a crushing setback" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news reports, academic papers, and business communications, as it clearly conveys the severity of a negative situation.

What is the difference between "a setback" and "a crushing setback"?

While "a setback" refers to any obstacle or delay, "a crushing setback" implies a much more significant and demoralizing event, one that severely hinders progress or chances of success.