a setback

USAGE SUMMARY

'a setback' can be used in written English and is a commonly used phrase.
You can use this phrase when referring to an obstacle or difficulty in achieving a goal or making progress. For example, "The new law was a setback for the development of sustainable energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not a setback.

The New Yorker

He had a setback.

Independent

"But it's disappointing, a setback".

The New York Times

Yesterday's shooting was a setback.

The Economist

It is a setback.

The Guardian - Tech

"It's clearly a setback".

The Guardian

"It's definitely a setback.

The New York Times - Sports

Copenhagen was a setback.

The Guardian

You've had a setback.

The Guardian

"It's a setback," Coach Chan Gailey said.

The New York Times - Sports

But it was also a setback.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a setback" to acknowledge a temporary delay or reversal in progress without overly emphasizing negativity. It is a neutral way to describe an obstacle.

Common error

While "a setback" is versatile, avoid overuse in formal contexts. Replace it with more specific terms like "regression", "impediment", or "complication" to provide greater clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a setback" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes an event or situation that causes a delay or reversal in progress. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Sports

20%

General

18%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a setback" is a common noun phrase used to describe a temporary obstacle or reversal in progress. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and sports contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in formal reports by using more specific terms when possible. Related phrases include "a hitch", "a reversal", and "a difficulty", each carrying slightly different connotations. When encountering "a setback", acknowledge the delay without dwelling on negativity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficulty

A "difficulty" is a general term for something that causes trouble or effort.

a hitch

A "hitch" implies a temporary problem or obstacle, often minor, that delays progress.

a hiccup

A "hiccup" indicates a brief and minor disruption.

a reversal

A "reversal" suggests a change to an opposite direction or condition, impacting progress more significantly.

a hurdle

A "hurdle" refers to an obstacle that must be overcome, often in a race or competition.

a stumbling block

A "stumbling block" is something that impedes progress or causes one to make a mistake.

a regression

A "regression" describes a return to a former or less developed state.

a complication

A "complication" suggests an added element that makes something more difficult.

an impediment

An "impediment" is a more formal term for something that hinders or obstructs progress.

a disappointment

A "disappointment" highlights the feeling of sadness or frustration caused by the failure of expectations, differing from the neutral connotation of setback.

FAQs

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

You can use "a setback" to describe a temporary obstacle or reversal in progress. For example, "The project experienced "a setback" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to using "a setback"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a hitch", "a reversal", or "a difficulty" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "a setback" considered formal or informal language?

"A setback" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal writing, consider using more precise terms.

What's the difference between "a setback" and "a failure"?

"A setback" implies a temporary delay or reversal, while "a failure" suggests a complete lack of success. "A setback" is less definitive and often implies the possibility of recovery or eventual success.