a significant setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a major obstacle or difficulty that hinders progress in a situation or project. Example: "The unexpected loss of funding was a significant setback for the research team, delaying their project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is a significant setback.

The New York Times

Is this a significant setback for Bitcoin?

Harvard Business Review

It would also be a significant setback for Isis.

The Guardian

Losing the deal would be a significant setback for EMI.

The New York Times

The ruling today represents a significant setback to that strategy.

The New York Times

If it's true, it's a significant setback to them".

The New Yorker

But yesterday's acquittal appeared to be a significant setback.

Independent

The loss of Smith is a significant setback.

The New York Times

Legal experts said the Justice Department's brief was a significant setback for Verizon.

The New York Times

Earlier this year, for example, he suffered a significant setback representing the telephone company SBC Communications.

The New York Times

A league's failure would be a significant setback to the sport in north America.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a significant setback" to underscore the severity and negative impact of an event, rather than simply stating a problem.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant setback" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where progress is genuinely and substantially hindered.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant setback" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or following a linking verb. It denotes an event that causes a notable delay or regression in progress. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is used to describe various impediments across different fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant setback" is a common phrase used to describe a serious impediment or reversal in progress. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various domains, especially in News & Media. When using this phrase, it's important to accurately portray the magnitude of the hindrance and clearly identify what experienced the setback. Consider alternatives like "a considerable impediment" or "a major stumbling block" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable impediment

This phrase emphasizes the obstructive nature of the setback, highlighting its role as a barrier to progress.

a major stumbling block

Implies an obstacle that halts progress or makes it difficult to proceed, focusing on the immediate challenge.

a substantial hindrance

Highlights the degree to which progress is slowed or prevented. It puts more emphasis on the act of hindering.

a serious disadvantage

Focuses on the competitive aspect and the reduced likelihood of success due to the setback.

a noteworthy reversal

Underscores the change in direction or outcome, emphasizing that a previous positive trend has been overturned.

a considerable obstacle

This highlights how the event in question is a major hurdle for the target in reaching their goals.

a marked regression

This phrase emphasizes the return to a former or less developed state, implying a loss of progress.

a severe blow

Highlights the negative impact and the feeling of being struck or harmed by the event.

a critical failure

Emphasizes the lack of success in a vital area, suggesting a potential collapse or inability to continue.

a fundamental problem

Emphasizes the root cause of the issue, and indicates that fixing this may need a radical solution.

FAQs

What does "a significant setback" mean?

The phrase "a significant setback" describes a serious event that delays or prevents progress toward a goal. It implies more than just a minor inconvenience.

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

You can use "a significant setback" to describe the impact of a negative event. For example: "The company's financial losses were "a significant setback" to its expansion plans."

What can I say instead of "a significant setback"?

You can use alternatives like "a major obstacle", "a serious disadvantage", or "a noteworthy reversal" depending on the specific context.

Is "a major setback" the same as "a significant setback"?

While similar, "a significant setback" suggests a notable degree of severity or impact, whereas "a major setback" simply indicates importance. The phrases are often interchangeable, but "significant" emphasizes the consequences more directly.