a string of setbacks

USAGE SUMMARY

"a string of setbacks" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to a series of unfortunate events or experiences that one is having. For example, "The project experienced a string of setbacks, making it difficult to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

A year later, Ms. Halgash closed the store after a string of setbacks, including the sniper attacks that paralyzed the Washington area for weeks in late 2002.

The New York Times

It has suffered a string of setbacks.

The Economist

He never quite got over a string of setbacks.

The New York Times

The announcement followed a string of setbacks in the emerging electric car market.

The New York Times

But the Shabab have suffered a string of setbacks in the past few months.

The New York Times

A string of setbacks in state elections seem to have encouraged it in this course.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

They are now clearly the country's third force.Barely a year ago, after a string of electoral setbacks, they seemed tired, bland and on the way out.

The Economist

A string of employment setbacks have also made the news.

The Economist

The ruling was the latest in a string of recent setbacks for the drug's maker, Wyeth.

The New York Times

Riven by infighting and shaken by a string of electoral setbacks, the liberals seemed to have run out of ideas and steam.

The Economist

The breach of security around the building was another in a string of disturbing setbacks for the military and police forces in Pakistan.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a string of setbacks" to describe a sequence of negative events that have a noticeable impact. It's often more impactful than a single isolated incident.

Common error

Avoid using "a string of setbacks" for minor inconveniences. Save it for situations where the events genuinely impede progress or cause significant issues.

Linguistic Context

"A string of setbacks" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a verb. It describes a series of unfortunate events or obstacles that hinder progress or success. Ludwig AI shows its frequent occurrence in describing challenges faced by organizations and individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a string of setbacks" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes a series of unfortunate events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, where it serves to communicate challenges and adversity. When writing, remember to reserve this phrase for genuinely impactful situations and consider alternatives like "a series of misfortunes" or "a run of bad luck" to add variety to your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of misfortunes

Emphasizes bad luck or unfortunate events.

a run of bad luck

Suggests a period of general misfortune.

a chain of failures

Focuses on the lack of success.

a succession of difficulties

Highlights the challenging nature of the events.

a streak of bad breaks

Implies a series of unlucky occurrences.

a litany of woes

Emphasizes the negative and sorrowful nature of the events.

a chapter of accidents

Refers to a period marked by unforeseen and unfortunate incidents.

a history of reversals

Highlights changes in fortune, typically for the worse.

a trail of disasters

Indicates a series of highly negative and impactful events.

an avalanche of problems

Suggests a large and overwhelming number of issues.

FAQs

How can I use "a string of setbacks" in a sentence?

You can use "a string of setbacks" to describe a series of unfortunate events, for example: "The company faced "a string of setbacks" during the product launch."

What are some alternatives to "a string of setbacks"?

Alternatives include "a series of misfortunes", "a run of bad luck", or "a chain of failures", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a string of setbacks" in formal writing?

Yes, "a string of setbacks" is suitable for formal writing, as it is a clear and widely understood phrase. However, consider the specific tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall message.

What's the difference between "a string of setbacks" and "an isolated setback"?

"A string of setbacks" refers to multiple negative events occurring in sequence, while "an isolated setback" refers to a single, individual negative event. The former implies a pattern of misfortune, the latter a singular instance.