a lengthy setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lengthy setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant delay or obstacle that has occurred over an extended period of time. Example: "The project faced a lengthy setback due to unforeseen circumstances, pushing the deadline back by several months."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Scunthorpe United captain Cliff Byrne has received the all-clear to return to training after a setback in his bid to recover from a lengthy back injury.

BBC

Between a lengthy injury list and last week's loss to Edinburgh, the setbacks have been frequent for Munster, but a win against champions Scarlets would settle nerves.

The Times

Rob Howley, the interim Wales head coach, must hope it will be a brief spell on the sidelines as he was already facing a lengthy injury list, with Davies his last fully fit lock until this latest setback.

The Guardian - Sport

There was also relegation from the top flight in 1978-79, buthehe setbacks were mitigated by promotion to the Premier League in 1981-82 and a lengthy spell as captain.

Independent

Such a lengthy fuss.

Independent

Weightlifting has a lengthy history.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He faces a lengthy suspension.

The New York Times - Sports

"Everything requires a lengthy discussion".

The New York Times

He recited a lengthy list.

The New York Times - Magazine

A lengthy G.A.O.

The New York Times - Science

Strategy was not a lengthy action plan.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a lengthy setback", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being delayed or hindered and the estimated duration or impact of the setback. For example, "The project experienced "a lengthy setback" due to unforeseen environmental regulations, pushing the completion date back by six months".

Common error

Avoid using "a lengthy setback" for minor or easily resolved issues. This phrase implies a significant and prolonged negative impact; using it for trivial matters weakens its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lengthy setback" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a situation involving delay and regression. Based on Ludwig AI analysis, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lengthy setback" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a significant and prolonged delay or obstacle. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, there is limited real-world usage data available, suggesting it may not be a highly frequent expression. The phrase is neutral in tone and suitable for various contexts, though it is important to ensure that the described setback is genuinely substantial. Alternatives like "a prolonged delay" or "an extended obstacle" can be used for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a prolonged obstacle

Replaces "lengthy" with "prolonged" and "setback" with "obstacle", emphasizing the duration and the hindering nature.

an extended delay

Substitutes "lengthy" with "extended" and "setback" with "delay", highlighting the increased duration of the hold-up.

a considerable impediment

Replaces "lengthy" with "considerable" and "setback" with "impediment", conveying a significant hindrance.

a drawn-out complication

Uses "drawn-out" instead of "lengthy" and "complication" instead of "setback", focusing on the extended and complex nature of the issue.

a protracted difficulty

Employs "protracted" to replace "lengthy" and "difficulty" for "setback", stressing the prolonged and challenging nature.

a long-lasting hitch

Replaces "lengthy" with "long-lasting" and "setback" with "hitch", suggesting a problem that persists over time.

a sustained reversal

Uses "sustained" instead of "lengthy" and "reversal" for "setback", highlighting the enduring nature of the negative change.

a chronic relapse

Substitutes "lengthy" with "chronic" and "setback" with "relapse", indicating a recurring and persistent problem.

a time-consuming regression

Replaces "lengthy" with "time-consuming" and "setback" with "regression", emphasizing the time taken to revert to a previous state.

a prolonged period of adversity

Rephrases to include "a prolonged period" instead of "lengthy" and uses "adversity" to describe the "setback", broadening the scope to a more general misfortune.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lengthy setback" to describe a significant delay or obstacle that has occurred over an extended period. For example: "The company experienced "a lengthy setback" due to supply chain disruptions".

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

You can use alternatives like "a prolonged delay", "an extended obstacle", or "a considerable impediment" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a lengthy setback" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing significant and prolonged delays or hindrances in projects, plans, or processes. Ensure the tone and context align with professional standards.

What distinguishes "a lengthy setback" from a simple "delay"?

"A lengthy setback" implies a more substantial and prolonged disruption compared to a simple "delay". While a "delay" might be brief and easily corrected, ""a lengthy setback"" suggests a significant impact on timelines and overall progress.