a remarkable setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a remarkable setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected and significant obstacle or difficulty encountered in a situation or process. Example: "The team's progress was hindered by a remarkable setback when the main server crashed unexpectedly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In concert with that, the projections indicate, the National Front, the far-rightist, anti-immigrant party that electrified presidential elections in April and May, will suffer a remarkable setback, confirming perhaps that its followers see it more as a statement of dissent built around the personality of its leader rather than as a nuts-and-bolts party machine capable of running the country.

The New York Times

Yesterday's gubernatorial election in Virginia was a remarkable setback for the Virginia-based National Rifle Association.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

During my visit, I met 23-year-old Lebo, a remarkable young South African woman who has struggled mightily to overcome setback after setback.

Huffington Post

But for all that bleakness the drop in sales is only a brief setback in what has been a remarkable past few years for BPDR.

Forbes

She has been credited with leading a remarkable transformation at India's largest private sector bank, which experienced major setbacks after the 2008 financial crisis.

Forbes

A remarkable day!

The New York Times

Remarkable figures for a remarkable cricketer.

Independent

A remarkable woman.

The New York Times

It's a remarkable read.

The Economist

It's a remarkable document.

The New Yorker

A remarkable and beloved humanitarian.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a remarkable setback" when you want to emphasize that a particular setback is especially noteworthy or significant due to its impact or unexpected nature. For example, "The project suffered a remarkable setback when the lead researcher resigned unexpectedly".

Common error

Avoid using "a remarkable setback" for minor or insignificant issues. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic. Save it for situations where the setback truly stands out.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a remarkable setback" functions as a noun phrase, specifically an object or complement, often following verbs like "suffer", "experience", or "cause". As Ludwig AI indicates, it is usable in written English, and its usage aims to highlight the noteworthiness of the setback.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a remarkable setback" is a noun phrase used to describe a noteworthy negative event or obstacle. Ludwig AI confirms that it is appropriate for written English. While relatively rare in occurrence, it is commonly found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the setback is genuinely significant to justify the use of "remarkable". Alternatives like "significant impediment" or "major hurdle" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be mindful of overstating the significance of minor issues with this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant impediment

Replaces "setback" with "impediment", highlighting the hindering aspect of the event. "Remarkable" is replaced with "significant" maintaining similar emphasis.

a considerable obstacle

Substitutes "setback" with "obstacle", focusing on the challenge posed. "Remarkable" is replaced with "considerable" which keeps the meaning of "noteworthy".

a major hurdle

Uses "hurdle" instead of "setback", implying a challenge that needs to be overcome. "Remarkable" is replaced with "major" indicating that the setback is important.

a notable reversal

Replaces "setback" with "reversal", emphasizing a change in direction or fortune. "Remarkable" is replaced with "notable" which keeps the same meaning.

a striking disappointment

Replaces "setback" with "disappointment", focusing on the feeling of disillusionment caused by the event. "Remarkable" is replaced with "striking" indicating that the disappointment is important.

an extraordinary difficulty

Substitutes "setback" with "difficulty", highlighting the problematic nature of the situation. "Remarkable" is replaced with "extraordinary" which keeps the same meaning.

a surprising regression

Replaces "setback" with "regression", implying a return to a previous, less developed state. "Remarkable" is replaced with "surprising" indicating that the setback is unexpected.

a substantial relapse

Uses "relapse" instead of "setback", suggesting a return to a previous state of illness or decline. "Remarkable" is replaced with "substantial" indicating that the relapse is important.

a conspicuous failure

Replaces "setback" with "failure", focusing on the lack of success. "Remarkable" is replaced with "conspicuous" which keeps the same meaning.

a noteworthy hitch

Substitutes "setback" with "hitch", implying a temporary problem or delay. "Remarkable" is replaced with "noteworthy" which keeps the same meaning.

FAQs

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

You can use "a remarkable setback" to describe a significant and unexpected obstacle. For instance, "The company's profits suffered "a remarkable setback" due to the economic downturn".

What are some alternatives to "a remarkable setback"?

Alternatives include "significant impediment", "considerable obstacle", or "major hurdle", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a remarkable setback" is appropriate for formal writing when describing a noteworthy negative event or obstacle. However, ensure the tone is suitable for the context.

What distinguishes "a remarkable setback" from a simple setback?

The word "remarkable" emphasizes that the setback is particularly noteworthy, significant, or unexpected compared to an ordinary setback.