a notable setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a notable setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant obstacle or difficulty encountered in a process or situation. Example: "The project faced a notable setback when the main supplier went out of business unexpectedly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

If the Romney surge caps out at, say, four per cent in the national polls, it would be a notable setback for the Obama campaign, but potentially a manageable one.

The New Yorker

The Boston Herald on Monday said that Kerry had been "conspicuously" absent from the conflict in Gaza after suffering a notable setback in trying to secure a humanitarian ceasefire.

Huffington Post

A notable setback was the failure of EGFR expression to predict the efficacy of EGFR-directed antibodies.

Chinese Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The HomePod had a bit of a notable production setback, back in December, but Apple's high-end smart speaker is still on track for an "early 2018" release.

TechCrunch

The most notable setback in recent years was the tsunami in December 2004, which took the lives of more than 5,000 foreigners, mostly in and around Phuket.

The New York Times

The world's No. 1 player has another notable setback to overcome when the 145th British Open begins Thursday: his stumble down the stretch in losing to Dustin Johnson at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational two weeks ago.

Los Angeles Times

Bluetooth, which had been put forth as a Rosetta stone that would enable every gadget to talk wirelessly to every other gadget, has recently suffered notable setbacks.

The New York Times

In short, despite its recent notable setbacks, the Islamic State continues to show that it is resilient and adaptive.

Huffington Post

Despite the incredible political, social and scientific advancement as well as some notable setbacks along the way, Christianity flourishes and is changing lives for Christians and non-Christians alike around the world who undertake to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and provide medical care to those in dire need.

Huffington Post

With a notable exception.

Independent

"A notable risk"?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a notable setback", quantify the impact if possible. Providing context about the consequences strengthens your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a notable setback" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where the impact is genuinely significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a notable setback" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing an event or situation that has caused a significant hindrance or reversal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a notable setback" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a significant problem, delay, or reversal. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, especially in news and science, to convey the impact of negative events. While not overly common, understanding its appropriate use and potential alternatives, such as ""a significant reverse"" or ""a major impediment"", can enhance your writing precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant reverse

Emphasizes the backward movement or regression experienced.

a major impediment

Highlights the obstacle or barrier created by the setback.

a considerable hitch

Focuses on the temporary disruption or problem caused.

a marked downturn

Stresses the negative trend or decline resulting from the setback.

a substantial difficulty

Underscores the degree of challenge or complexity introduced.

a serious stumbling block

Highlights the obstacle that causes someone to hesitate or fail.

a pronounced obstacle

Emphasizes how obvious or noticeable the obstruction has become.

a regrettable complication

Focuses on the unwanted and undesirable aspect of the setback.

an unfortunate impediment

This emphasizes the unlucky nature of the barrier or difficulty.

an unwelcome hindrance

Focuses on how unwelcome the obstruction is.

FAQs

How can "a notable setback" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a notable setback" to describe a significant obstacle or problem that hinders progress, like "The company experienced "a notable setback" when its main factory was damaged."

What is a good alternative to "a notable setback"?

Alternatives to "a notable setback" include "a significant reverse", "a major impediment", or "a considerable hitch", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "notable setback" or "significant setback"?

Both "notable setback" and "significant setback" are grammatically correct. "Notable" emphasizes that the setback is worthy of attention, while "significant" highlights the importance or impact of the setback. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What kind of events qualify as "a notable setback"?

"A notable setback" typically refers to events that cause a considerable delay, difficulty, or reversal in progress. Examples include failed product launches, unexpected budget cuts, or major project delays.