a setback for

USAGE SUMMARY

"a setback for" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to an obstacle or difficulty that has arisen for a particular person, project or plan. For example: "The untimely death of the CEO was a setback for the company's long-term plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A setback for Cleggie then?

The Guardian - Opinion

"This is a setback for him.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a setback for Obama.

The Washington Post

Hamburg was a setback for reform, not a final defeat.

The Economist

The disclosure was a setback for Société Générale in Russia.

The New York Times

It was not only a setback for Twitter.

The New York Times

ReprintsLosing in Kaohsiung would be a setback for the DPP.

The Economist

A setback for efforts to hold Wall Street accountable.

The New York Times

"It was not a setback for me – this is a setback for the people who are dying," he said sharply.

The New York Times

"I don't think [Bridget Jones is] a setback for women.

The Guardian - Film

"It's image-damaging and is a setback for innovation".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a setback for", ensure that the context clearly identifies who or what is being negatively affected. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a setback for" without clearly specifying who or what is experiencing the setback. Vague references can weaken the statement and confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a setback for" functions as a noun phrase that identifies an event, situation, or decision that represents a negative development or impediment to progress for a specific entity. The entity can be a person, group, project, or concept. This is consistent with Ludwig's AI analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a setback for" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a situation that negatively impacts progress for a specific entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in news and media. Its purpose is to express concern or disappointment, and it maintains a generally neutral tone. Related phrases such as "a reversal for" or "a hindrance to" can offer nuanced alternatives, while it's important to clearly identify who or what is experiencing the setback to avoid vagueness. Given its frequent use in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist, mastering the use of this phrase is valuable for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reversal for

Indicates a change of fortune or progress in the wrong direction.

a disadvantage for

Highlights the unfavorable position created by the setback.

a blow to

Emphasizes the damaging or shocking nature of the setback.

a hindrance to

Focuses on the obstructive nature of the setback.

a regression for

Highlights a return to a less developed state.

an impediment to

Emphasizes the hindering effect of the setback.

a complication for

Draws attention to the added complexity resulting from the setback.

a hitch for

Focuses on a temporary problem or obstacle.

a stumble for

Conveys a sense of faltering or temporary loss of balance.

a crimp in

Suggests a limitation or restriction caused by the setback.

FAQs

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

You can use "a setback for" to describe a situation that delays progress or negatively impacts someone or something. For example, "The funding cut was a setback for the project."

What are some alternatives to "a setback for"?

Some alternatives include "a reversal for", "a hindrance to", or "a disadvantage for", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a setback to" instead of "a setback for"?

While "setback to" can sometimes be used, "a setback for" is more common and generally preferred when indicating who or what is affected by the setback. "Setback to" is typically used to describe damage to something, rather than an entity experiencing the setback.

What is the difference between "a setback for" and "a challenge for"?

"A setback for" implies a negative impact or delay, while "a challenge for" suggests a difficult task that needs to be overcome. A setback might create challenges, but not all challenges are setbacks.