a major setback

USAGE SUMMARY

'a major setback' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use 'a major setback' to refer to a serious problem or obstacle that prevents someone from making progress or achieving a goal. For example: "The pandemic has proven to be a major setback for the progress of the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The boycott lasted a year and was a major setback for polio eradication.

Globalization and Health

Or a major setback for feminism?

Independent

"This was a major setback.

The New York Times - Sports

The fall brought a major setback.

The New York Times

Egypt's march toward democracy has suffered a major setback.

The New York Times

Last week, the good news had a major setback.

The New York Times

The loss of Shockey, though, is clearly a major setback.

The New York Times - Sports

And there has already been a major setback.

The New York Times

Pte Nick (Princess) Whelan has had a major setback.

The Guardian

"Syriza suffered a major setback, there's no denying it.

The Guardian

Despite 2009's gains, few predict a major setback today.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major setback", ensure the context clearly indicates what was previously progressing and how the setback has impacted that progress. This adds clarity and emphasizes the significance of the event.

Common error

Avoid using "a major setback" for minor inconveniences or temporary delays. Reserve it for situations where the impact is substantial and long-lasting to maintain its intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major setback" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it correctly describes a significant obstacle or reversal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major setback" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a significant obstacle or reversal. As confirmed by Ludwig, its presence across diverse sources, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, indicates its broad applicability. While it’s important to reserve it for genuinely impactful situations and consider more nuanced alternatives depending on the context, understanding its meaning and usage will enhance clarity and precision in writing. Be aware of common mistakes, like overstating its significance, to use it effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a step backwards

Illustrates a regression from previous progress.

a significant reverse

Emphasizes the reversal aspect more strongly than the setback.

a blow to progress

Emphasizes the negative impact on advancement.

a serious impediment

Focuses on the hindering aspect rather than the overall event.

a considerable hitch

Suggests a temporary disruption or obstacle.

a notable disadvantage

Highlights the unfavorable position resulting from the event.

a substantial difficulty

Focuses on the problematic nature of the situation.

a tough challenge

Implies a need to overcome the obstacle with effort.

a crushing disappointment

Highlights the emotional impact of the unfavorable outcome.

an unfortunate turn of events

Focuses on the unexpected and undesirable nature of the occurrence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a major setback" to describe a significant obstacle or reversal in progress. For example, "The economic crisis was "a major setback" for the neighborhood's development."

What are some alternatives to "a major setback"?

Alternatives include "a significant reverse", "a serious impediment", or "a step backwards" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a major setback" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing significant challenges or regressions in business, academic, or scientific contexts. However, consider using alternatives like "a notable disadvantage" for a more nuanced tone.

What distinguishes "a major setback" from "a minor inconvenience"?

"A major setback" implies a substantial, potentially long-lasting negative impact on progress, whereas "a minor inconvenience" refers to a small, easily resolved issue. Using the correct term ensures you accurately convey the severity of the situation.