a permanent setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a permanent setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that causes a lasting hindrance or obstacle to progress or success. Example: "The unexpected loss of funding resulted in a permanent setback for the research project, delaying its completion by several years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The chairman of the state Democratic Party, Jay Jacobs, called Mr. Turner's election "a disappointment, but not a permanent setback".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This was a major, but hopefully not permanent, setback for the Teachers (AFT), the state's largest AFL-CIO union.

Huffington Post

Both GM and Ford may have been flattered by an uptick in fleet sales, but Nissan's sales climbed by 16%, while those of Hyundai, the fastest-growing volume brand in America last year, grew by 24%.Whether Toyota will speedily recover from this setback or suffer permanent harm is uncertain, but the betting must be on the latter.

The Economist

PAGE 29 A POLITICAL BLOW -- The Republicans' long-term plan for a permanent majority may have suffered a significant setback.

The New York Times

The BBC's Home Affairs Correspondent Danny Shaw said the ruling was an embarrassment and a setback for the coalition but was not a fatal blow to its plan for a permanent cap on non-EU migration.

BBC

The increased visibility of gays and lesbians has become a permanent feature of American life despite the two critical setbacks of the AIDS epidemic and an anti-gay backlash (see Berman, 1993, for a good survey).

SEP

The second setback took place at Fortune: The magazine considered offering a permanent position to Greenspan and then decided against it.

Forbes

It's a permanent shift".

The New York Times

It's a permanent marriage.

The New Yorker

Advancement is a permanent duty".

Independent

Japan, still one of the world's economic powers despite the setbacks of the last decade, is also seeking a bigger share of the world's political power, namely a permanent seat on an expanded United Nations Security Council.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a permanent setback", consider the specific context to ensure the term accurately reflects the lasting impact. If the situation might improve, consider using "a temporary setback" instead.

Common error

Avoid using "a permanent setback" if there's a reasonable chance of recovery or improvement. Using it prematurely can create unnecessary pessimism or discourage efforts to overcome the obstacle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a permanent setback" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a lasting or irreversible impediment to progress or recovery. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a permanent setback" effectively communicates a significant and lasting impediment. While grammatically sound and appropriate for neutral contexts such as news and media, Ludwig indicates its usage is relatively rare. When deciding to employ this phrase, consider whether the situation truly represents a long-term, irreversible problem. Alternatives like "an irreversible obstacle" or "a lasting impediment" may offer nuanced variations depending on the precise meaning you wish to convey. Always ensure that the degree of permanence implied aligns with the reality of the situation to avoid overstating the negativity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an enduring setback

Synonymous, stressing the continuation of the setback.

a lasting impediment

Focuses on the enduring nature of the hindrance.

an irreversible obstacle

This alternative highlights the impossibility of reversing the negative impact.

a long-term disadvantage

Highlights the sustained unfavorable position resulting from the event.

a chronic difficulty

Emphasizes the ongoing and persistent nature of the problem.

an abiding problem

Focuses on the persistent nature of the issue.

an ineradicable obstacle

Emphasizes the impossibility of removing the impediment.

a perennial challenge

Highlights the recurring nature of the difficulty.

a fixed regression

Highlights the permanent nature of the move backwards.

a terminal decline

This suggests an irreversible and ultimately fatal downturn or failure.

FAQs

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

You can use "a permanent setback" to describe a situation that has caused lasting damage or regression, such as "The company's reputation suffered "a permanent setback" after the scandal.

What are some alternatives to "a permanent setback"?

Alternatives include "an irreversible obstacle", "a lasting impediment", or "a long-term disadvantage" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a permanent setback" or "a temporary setback"?

The choice depends on whether the negative impact is expected to be long-lasting or short-lived. Use "a permanent setback" if the effects are likely to endure, and "a temporary setback" if recovery is anticipated.

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

"A major setback" indicates a significant negative event, while "a permanent setback" emphasizes the lasting nature of the negative impact, suggesting it will not easily be overcome or reversed.