a severe setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a severe setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant obstacle or difficulty that hinders progress or success in a situation. Example: "The project faced a severe setback due to unexpected funding issues, delaying its completion by several months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On the left, Labour suffered a severe setback.

The Guardian - Opinion

This would be a severe setback for Internet users.

The New York Times

The case was a severe setback to the use of the secondary boycott by unions.

Britannica

The legitimate uses for P2P technology may thus suffer a severe setback.

The Economist

Their disappearance is a severe setback to Hassan Khan, a prisoner serving life for a 2007 robbery in West Wickham.

The Guardian

On the whole, I believe that the consequences of the crackdown have been a severe setback to the government.

The New York Times

But the opposition boycotted the vote and a court annulled the result, in a severe setback for the prime minister.

The New York Times

Most industries consider the loss of a few percentage points in their market a severe setback, even a catastrophe.

Harvard Business Review

The developments in Belgrade represent a severe setback to EU efforts to engineer a pro-western government in Serbia.

The Guardian

Not only that but Podemos, which had taken part in the election in coalition with other political forces, suffered a severe setback, losing about 1.1 million votes.

The Guardian - Opinion

If confirmed, the diagnosis would be a severe setback to Jürgen Klopp, with his team challenging Chelsea and Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider quantifying the impact of the setback if possible. For example, instead of saying "The project suffered a severe setback", specify "The project suffered a severe setback, resulting in a three-month delay and a 15% budget increase".

Common error

While "a severe setback" is a useful phrase, avoid overusing it in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms or more descriptive terms to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a severe setback" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It denotes a significant negative event that impedes progress. Ludwig's examples show it's often used to describe problems in projects, political situations, or personal circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a severe setback" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a significant negative event that hinders progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though most frequently encountered in News & Media. When using this phrase, provide sufficient context to clarify what is being negatively impacted and consider quantifying the setback's impact. While effective, avoid overuse to maintain clarity and engagement. Alternatives such as "a major impediment" or "a significant obstacle" can offer variety and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious reverse

This alternative highlights the negative turn of events.

a significant obstacle

This alternative focuses on the difficulty presented by the setback.

a major impediment

This alternative emphasizes the obstructive nature of the setback.

a substantial complication

This alternative emphasizes the added complexity resulting from the setback.

a crushing blow

This alternative emphasizes the damaging effect of the setback.

a considerable disadvantage

This alternative points out the unfavorable position resulting from the setback.

a grave disappointment

This alternative underscores the feeling of letdown caused by the setback.

a notable frustration

This highlights the irritation and difficulty that the setback provokes.

a real wrench

This colloquial alternative describes something that interferes with planned actions.

a tough break

This alternative offers a more informal way of expressing the unfortunate nature of the setback.

FAQs

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

You can use "a severe setback" to describe a situation that significantly hinders progress or causes a major problem. For instance: "The company's expansion plans faced "a severe setback" due to the economic downturn".

What are some alternatives to "a severe setback"?

Some alternatives include "a major obstacle", "a significant impediment", "a serious reverse", or "a crushing blow". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a severe setback" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe a significant negative development.

What makes a setback "severe"?

A setback is considered "severe" when it has a substantial negative impact, causing significant delays, losses, or other detrimental consequences. It implies that the situation is more than just a minor inconvenience and requires serious attention and recovery efforts.