a double setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a double setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone experiences two significant difficulties or obstacles at the same time. Example: "The project faced a double setback when both the funding was cut and the lead developer left the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Cook's battle for Games floored by double blow Aaron Cook's bid for a place in Great Britain's Olympic taekwondo team has suffered a double setback.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Leeds showed the resilience they have built up in winning five Super League titles in six years by responding to that double setback with a well-worked try of their own, Ryan Hall rising to collect a Kevin Sinfield kick, then handling again to send Jamie Jover-Buchanan over.

The Guardian - Sport

With Exeter riding high in the Premiership and set to face Clermont Auvergne in the European Champions Cup this Saturday, the cruel double setback has come at a bad moment for club and country.

The Guardian - Sport

Dwayne Peel's hopes of making Wales World Cupp squad have suffered a double injury setback.

BBC

Despite conceding the double setback, the Eels, one day after releasing troubled star Kieran Foran from his four-year contract, were rewarded for their effort with a 37th-minute try to Vai Toutai.

The Guardian - Sport

That double setback unveiled three truths: that there were plenty of good clarinetists around, that he, however, had a distinct, recognizable tone, and that he wanted to go on playing the clarinet no matter where.

The New York Times

The double setback has seen Jim Mallinder's men deposed at the top of the table by Saracens.

BBC

They named the baby Heather, a double gift to the pioneering parent who turned a very personal setback — the inability to conceive — into something very public and positive.

The New York Times

— A bruised hip, a broken femur and a double dislocation of the shoulders — count these injuries among the recent setbacks of freestyle snowmobile riders competing in the Winter X Games, starting here Thursday.

The New York Times - Sports

Cincinnati lost its seventh straight and experienced another setback when Ken Griffey Jr. left the game after pulling up on a double in the fourth inning.

The New York Times - Sports

Before those tasks, Gestede has a double aim on Tuesday - promotion to the top flight and revenge for that November setback.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a double setback" when you want to concisely express that two negative events or difficulties have occurred simultaneously, particularly when those events impede progress or cause significant disadvantage.

Common error

Avoid using "a double setback" when the events are not directly related or do not significantly compound each other. Instead, describe them as separate incidents to avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a double setback" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes a situation where two negative events or obstacles occur, compounding the difficulty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a double setback" is a noun phrase used to describe the occurrence of two negative events. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its primary function is to concisely convey the existence of compounded difficulties, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news and media. Related phrases, such as "a dual misfortune" or "a twin adversity", can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context and desired emphasis. While versatile, be mindful of its implications and only use when the events are directly linked and compound each other to not mislead your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dual misfortune

Replaces "setback" with "misfortune", emphasizing the unlucky nature of the situation.

a twin adversity

Uses "adversity" to highlight the challenging aspect of the situation, portraying it as a hardship.

a pair of difficulties

Offers a more literal and less figurative description of two problems occurring together.

a compounded problem

Emphasizes the combined effect of the two issues, suggesting they exacerbate each other.

a two-pronged challenge

Highlights that the challenge has two distinct parts or aspects, needing a multi-faceted solution.

a combined obstacle

Focuses on the obstacles or impediments created by the two events or issues.

a double whammy

Presents a more informal way of conveying the phrase with a humorous connotation.

a two-fold impediment

Focuses on the hindering aspects of the combined problem, specifically the impediments to progress.

a concurrent crisis

Highlights the simultaneous and urgent nature of the two negative events.

a linked failure

Implies that both failures are connected in some way, or caused by similar events or conditions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a double setback" to describe a situation where two negative events occur close together and impact something negatively. For example: "The company's plans suffered "a double setback" when the funding was cut and the key employee resigned".

What are some alternatives to "a double setback"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a dual misfortune", "a twin adversity", or "a pair of difficulties".

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

Yes, "a double setback" is generally appropriate for formal writing, especially in news reporting and analytical contexts. However, for highly formal or academic writing, consider alternatives such as "a dual misfortune" for potentially greater precision and impact.

What's the difference between "a setback" and "a double setback"?

"A setback" refers to a single obstacle or delay. "A double setback" specifically indicates two such obstacles occurring, typically in close succession or with a compounding effect. The latter emphasizes the increased severity or complexity of the situation.