a grievous setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a grievous setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or serious obstacle or failure that hinders progress or success. Example: "The unexpected loss of funding was a grievous setback for the research project, delaying its completion by several months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

For Arsenal it would have been a grievous setback if they had allowed a side with these shortcomings to pinch a late equaliser.

The Guardian - Sport

Yes, their relegation in 2012 was a grievous setback and any club that struggles to get back under the parachute payments will inevitably suffer for it.

The Guardian - Sport

The announcement, and particularly its timing, certainly represents a grievous setback for the club bearing in mind their transformation since Pulis took charge when they were bottom of the division.

The Guardian - Sport

He had tried desperately to carry on and when he finally accepted it was futile it felt like a grievous setback to Portugal's hopes of denying France the outcome that would have meant so much in this city.

The Guardian - Sport

The group controls only a sliver of territory in northern Afghanistan, and it suffered a grievous setback when its military leader was assassinated, just days before the attacks in the United States on Sept. 11.

The New York Times

Thiago Silva and David Luiz had scored the goals to set up a semi-final against Germany in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday, but Neymar's injury represents a grievous setback given his importance to the team and the absence of a ready-made replacement.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

This a grievous blow.

The New Yorker

Fate was duly tempted and delivered a grievous blow.

Independent

True believers would lament a grievous blow to their European dream.

The Economist

And the electoral strategy of "cultural" resentment and fake populism has been dealt a grievous blow.

The New Yorker

The indignities for Liverpool started with the "24 Years and Counting" banner that was unfurled before kick-off and, by the time another grievous setback was complete, it was not easy to imagine how long it might be before this proud old club is a realistic contender again for another league title.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a grievous setback" to emphasize the severity and significance of a negative event or obstacle. It's best suited for formal contexts where you want to convey a serious impact on progress or expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "a grievous setback" in casual conversation or informal writing. The word "grievous" carries a tone of solemnity and gravity that may sound overly dramatic or out of place in less serious settings. Consider using alternatives like "a major setback" or "a tough break" for more informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a grievous setback" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a state of affairs, action, or event that represents a significant and regrettable reversal or impediment. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a grievous setback" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, employed to denote a significant and unfortunate reversal or impediment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is best suited for neutral to formal contexts where the intent is to convey the serious and impactful nature of the event. While alternatives like "a serious blow" or "a major impediment" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance and formality desired. It's important to avoid overusing the term in casual conversation, as it carries a tone of solemnity. Analysis shows that this phrase appears mainly in news and media, emphasizing it’s formal use in reporting impactful events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious blow

This alternative conveys a strong negative impact, similar to "a grievous setback", but can sometimes imply a more sudden or impactful event.

a major impediment

This phrase focuses on the hindering aspect of the setback, emphasizing the obstruction to progress.

a significant reversal

This alternative highlights the change in direction or progress caused by the setback.

a substantial hurdle

This phrase emphasizes the challenge that needs to be overcome due to the setback.

a critical failure

This alternative suggests a more complete or decisive failure, carrying a more negative connotation.

a damaging reversal

Highlights the damaging and destructive aspect of the event.

a considerable disadvantage

Focuses on the disadvantageous position resulting from the setback.

a notable regression

Emphasizes a return to a previous, less developed state.

a tough break

An informal way of saying that something unfortunate happened.

a negative turning point

Highlights the negative change of direction or trend caused by the setback.

FAQs

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

You can use "a grievous setback" to describe a serious negative event that hinders progress. For example, "The loss of funding was "a grievous setback" for the research project."

What are some alternatives to "a grievous setback"?

Alternatives to "a grievous setback" include "a serious blow", "a major impediment", or "a significant reversal". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "grievous" an overused word?

While "grievous" is not necessarily overused, it's a strong word that should be used intentionally to convey the serious nature of the setback. In less formal situations, consider using a milder alternative.

What makes "a grievous setback" different from "a minor setback"?

"A grievous setback" indicates a significant and impactful negative event, whereas "a minor setback" suggests a small, temporary delay or inconvenience. The key difference is the severity and long-term consequences of the event.