a decisive setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decisive setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or critical failure or obstacle that impacts progress or success in a particular situation. Example: "The team's hopes for a championship were dashed after suffering a decisive setback in the semifinals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

HE MIGHT be flavour of the month in Shanghai, but has the favourite son of "Cool Britannia" suffered a decisive setback in the salerooms of London?It has been a curious fortnight for the artist and sheep-pickler Damien Hirst.

The Economist

It indicates that American forces and the new Iraqi government they support will probably face some form of organized opposition even if supporters of Mr. Hussein are dealt a decisive setback and he himself is captured or killed.

The New York Times

The nuclear test ban treaty was rejected by the Senate in October 1999 by a vote of 51 to 48, a decisive setback for the Clinton administration given the constitutional requirement that treaties be approved by a two-thirds vote.

The New York Times

The ultimate impression is of a weird evening in which two great actors are left struggling to find their characters, and sometimes even their lines, and in which the great and noble cause of age-blind casting suffers a decisive setback.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Given the administration's commitment to Iraq, it will nonetheless be difficult for it to deflect attention from any decisive setback in the country.

Forbes

But later in the day, the British government was said to have refused to grant visas to the team, even with Mrs. Clinton's waiver, a potentially decisive setback for the team.

The New York Times - Sports

But since the last, and probably still decisive setback for his campaign in Illinois, Sanders has won 64% of the delegates in a string of more favourable small states that have cut Clinton's delegate lead from 317 to 210.

The Guardian

She made a decisive decision.

Huffington Post

An only and apparently beloved child, Mèlanie suffers a life-altering setback during a decisive recital.

The New York Times

Unless U.S. policy fails in a decisive way in Iraq, the administration will attempt to cushion the blow from setbacks that are experienced.

Forbes

Polls in Europe do not yet show a decisive shift in consumer sentiment, and the industry has had some recent setbacks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternatives like "major setback" or "significant reversal" if the situation requires a less dramatic or more nuanced description.

Common error

Avoid using "a decisive setback" for minor inconveniences or temporary difficulties. This phrase implies a significant and potentially irreversible negative shift. Choose milder terms like "hiccup" or "temporary delay" for less critical situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decisive setback" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, indicating that it's a well-accepted and understood expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decisive setback" is a noun phrase used to describe a significant and impactful negative turn of events. Ludwig's analysis indicates its correctness and suitability for neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. Although the phrase is correct, it's considered a rare phrase based on the number of examples. When using this phrase, be mindful of the weight it carries, as it implies a considerable negative impact. Consider alternatives like "major setback" or "significant reversal" if a less dramatic description is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major setback

Indicates a significant negative event, similar to the original phrase, but slightly less emphatic.

a significant reversal

Focuses on the change in direction or progress, highlighting the negative aspect.

a critical failure

Emphasizes the failure aspect, suggesting a potentially devastating outcome.

a crushing defeat

Highlights the magnitude and impact of the setback, suggesting a strong sense of loss.

a game-changing obstacle

Emphasizes the impact on future possibilities, suggesting a turning point.

a fatal blow

Suggests the setback is likely to cause complete failure or end.

a damaging blow

Focuses on the harmful effects of the setback.

a crippling blow

Highlights the severity and long-lasting impact of the setback.

an irreversible setback

Indicates that the setback cannot be recovered from.

a knockout punch

Emphasizes the sudden and decisive nature of the setback.

FAQs

What does "a decisive setback" mean?

The phrase "a decisive setback" refers to a significant event that causes a major negative impact, potentially halting progress or causing a considerable loss. It often implies that recovering from the setback will be difficult.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a decisive setback"?

Use "a decisive setback" when describing situations where progress has been severely hindered, and the negative consequences are significant and likely to have long-term effects. For less severe situations, consider alternatives like "minor setback".

What are some alternatives to "a decisive setback"?

You can use alternatives like "major setback", "significant reversal", or "crushing defeat" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

Example: "The company's failure to secure the contract was a decisive setback to their expansion plans." You can also structure it as: "The project suffered a decisive setback when the funding was withdrawn."