a terrible setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a terrible 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 unexpected loss of funding was a terrible setback for the research project, delaying its completion by several months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It was a terrible setback.

The New York Times

And tonight his great cause has suffered a terrible setback.

The New York Times

"It's a terrible setback for him and for all of us," Lotina told La Sexta television.

The Guardian - Sport

This club is not going to go out and turn around and have a terrible setback.

The New York Times - Sports

If Afghanistan fails or Pakistan falls to fundamentalism, America will suffer a terrible setback.

The New York Times

Make no mistake, Amaker's departure was a terrible setback for Seton Hall.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

He had several reasons, he told them, including a sense of isolation after the terrible setback in the British Parliament.

The New York Times

But this is not the terrible setback it might at first appear; Cartwright is a sophisticated enough writer to make the predictability of these characters seem like part of the joke, as if to underline the moribund nature of the world he depicts.

The Guardian - Books

A: Terrible!

HuffPost

"It is a tremendous setback.

Huffington Post

It could result in some terrible setbacks in these areas, however, if — as critics of the Roberts court have said — the court is calling balls and strikes but has moved the strike zone far to the right.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a terrible setback", ensure the context clearly establishes what progress or goal is being hindered. Providing specific details about the impact of the setback will strengthen your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a terrible setback" when the situation represents only a minor inconvenience or temporary delay. This phrase is most appropriate for situations where significant long-term damage or regression has occurred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a terrible setback" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a significantly negative event or situation that impedes progress. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a terrible setback" is a commonly used phrase to describe a significant negative event hindering progress. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, business, and formal communications. While versatile, it's best used when the situation genuinely warrants the description of a severe impediment. Consider alternatives like "a disastrous setback" or "a major disappointment" to tailor the phrase to the specific context. The phrase is most frequently found in "News & Media" according to Ludwig's analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a disastrous setback

Replaces "terrible" with "disastrous" to emphasize the catastrophic nature of the setback.

a devastating setback

Replaces "terrible" with "devastating" to highlight the damaging consequences of the setback.

a horrendous setback

Substitutes "terrible" with "horrendous" to intensify the negative impact of the setback.

a major disappointment

Focuses on the feeling of letdown caused by the setback, rather than the hindrance itself.

a significant obstacle

Shifts the focus to the hindering aspect of the setback, emphasizing its role as a barrier to progress.

a major hindrance

Similar to "a significant obstacle", but emphasizes the impeding quality of the setback.

a severe blow

Emphasizes the forceful and damaging nature of the setback.

an unfortunate reversal

Highlights the backward step caused by the setback, emphasizing its unexpected and unwelcome nature.

a crushing defeat

Focuses on the sense of failure and loss associated with the setback.

a step backwards

Highlights the loss of progress due to the setback, using a more general term.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "a disastrous setback", "a devastating setback", or "a major disappointment" depending on the context.

How is "a terrible setback" different from "a minor setback"?

"A terrible setback" implies a significant negative impact, potentially causing lasting damage or delays. In contrast, "a minor setback" suggests a small, temporary obstacle that can be easily overcome.

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

Yes, "a terrible setback" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news reports, business analyses, and academic papers when describing serious negative events. However, choose your words carefully and consider less dramatic alternatives if they suit your specific needs.

How to use "a terrible setback" in a sentence?

You can say, "The company's financial losses were "a terrible setback" to their expansion plans", or "The project suffered "a terrible setback" due to the unexpected regulatory changes."