a major setback for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major setback for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant obstacle or difficulty that affects a person, organization, or project. Example: "The unexpected loss of funding was a major setback for the research team, delaying their progress significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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

A major setback for Tyndall would be a major setback for her.

The Washington Post

Leaving Lincoln Center was a major setback for Mr. Whitehead.

The New York Times - Arts

The day wasn't without a major setback for the Marlins.

The New York Times - Sports

The court's decision is a major setback for voting rights.

The Washington Post

It's a major setback for Republicans on two counts.

The Washington Post

Poor performance of anode electrode in MFC is still a major setback for its practical applications.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

A major setback for microbial production of aromatics is the high toxicity of the products.

Journal of Biotechnology

High summer temperature is a major setback for successful greenhouse crop production throughout year.

Energy and Buildings

The economic crisis, however, was a major setback for the neighborhood's development.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major setback for", ensure that the subject experiencing the setback is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "This is a major setback", specify "This decision is "a major setback for" the company's expansion plans".

Common error

Avoid using "a major setback for" when the situation is only a minor inconvenience. Reserve this phrase for situations with significant and lasting negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major setback for" functions as a noun phrase that describes a significant impediment or obstacle. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major setback for" is a commonly used phrase that signifies a significant impediment or negative impact. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely employed across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While alternatives exist, such as "a significant impediment to" or "a considerable obstacle to", the core meaning remains consistent. When using the phrase, clarity is key: ensure you clearly identify the subject experiencing the setback. Avoid exaggerating the impact and reserve it for situations with truly significant negative consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant impediment to

Replaces "setback" with "impediment" and restructures the sentence slightly for a more formal tone.

a considerable obstacle to

Substitutes "setback" with "obstacle" to convey the sense of a hurdle or challenge.

a serious hindrance to

Replaces "setback" with "hindrance", emphasizing the act of delaying or preventing progress.

a substantial blow to

Uses "blow" instead of "setback", implying a sudden and negative impact.

a grave disadvantage for

Emphasizes the unfavorable position created by the setback.

a critical impediment for

Replaces major with critical

a notable downturn for

Expresses the setback as a decline or reversal of fortune.

a key stumbling block for

Presents the setback as a barrier to progress or achievement.

a real problem for

A simpler, more direct way of conveying the negative impact.

a major disadvantage to

Expresses the setback in terms of creating an unfavorable circumstance

FAQs

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

You can use "a major setback for" to describe a significant obstacle or negative event that hinders progress. For example, "The funding cut was "a major setback for" the project."

What are some alternatives to "a major setback for"?

Alternatives include "a significant impediment to", "a considerable obstacle to", or "a serious hindrance to", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "major setback to" or "major setback for"?

"A major setback for" is generally preferred when indicating who or what is negatively affected. "A major setback to" might be used, but it's less common and can sound awkward. For instance, you might say "a setback to progress" but "a major setback for the team".

What's the difference between "a major setback for" and "a minor setback for"?

"A major setback for" indicates a serious and significant impediment, causing substantial delays or negative consequences. In contrast, "a minor setback for" describes a smaller, less impactful issue that can be overcome more easily.