a significant setback for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant setback for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a major obstacle or difficulty faced by someone or something, often in a context of progress or achievement. Example: "The unexpected storm was a significant setback for the construction project, delaying its completion by several weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

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

The New York Times

The failed Mariscal Sucre natural gas bid round represents a significant setback for PDVSA.

The Guardian

It's a gift to Big Tobacco and could be a significant setback for public health.

The Washington Post

The attack marks a significant setback for efforts to achieve peace in the region.

The Guardian

The Justice Department's announcement represents a significant setback for American's plans to exit bankruptcy.

The New York Times

The emotional fallout from that discovery has been a significant setback for Ms. Smith.

The New York Times

The suspension is also a significant setback for the Dodgers' efforts to increase their Hispanic fan base by marketing Ramirez.

The New York Times - Sports

The failure is a significant setback for the entrepreneur, who had hoped to create a national cinema chain.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant setback for", clearly identify what is being hindered or negatively affected to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant setback for" when the situation is only a minor inconvenience. Ensure the situation genuinely represents a notable reversal or impediment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant setback for" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something as a noteworthy impediment or reversal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase introduces the idea of progress being hindered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant setback for" is a versatile phrase used to describe a notable hindrance or reversal in progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically sound and widely accepted. It's prevalent in news, academic and business contexts. When using this phrase, clearly identify what is being negatively impacted. While generally neutral in tone, its frequent use in formal writing lends it a professional register. Remember, it should represent genuine impediment, not just a minor inconvenience. Its high frequency and widespread use make it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major impediment to

Focuses on the hindering aspect rather than the broader impact.

a serious impediment for

Highlights the severity of the obstruction.

a considerable obstacle to

Emphasizes the difficulty presented by the obstacle.

a substantial obstacle for

Focuses on the size or importance of the obstruction.

a notable hindrance to

Highlights the act of obstructing progress.

a marked impediment to

Emphasizes how evident the impediment is.

a considerable reversal for

Implies a change of fortune or direction, specifically negative.

a major blow to

Suggests a sudden and damaging event.

a significant failure for

Focuses more directly on the lack of success.

a major failure for

Focuses more directly on the lack of success.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant setback for" to describe an event or situation that has notably hindered the progress or success of something. For example, "The budget cuts were a significant setback for the research project."

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

You can use alternatives like "a major impediment to", "a considerable obstacle to", or "a major blow to" depending on the context.

Is "a significant setback for" formal or informal?

"A significant setback for" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for various writing styles. However, it tends to appear more frequently in news and business writing.

What's the difference between "a significant setback for" and "a minor inconvenience for"?

"A significant setback for" implies a substantial negative impact, hindering progress considerably. In contrast, "a minor inconvenience for" suggests only a slight disruption or difficulty, without serious consequences.