a tremendous setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tremendous 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 tremendous setback for the research project, delaying its completion by several months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"If Novartis had won, this would have been a tremendous setback for us," he said.

The New York Times

"I believe that this is a tremendous setback for North Korea and, indeed, a setback for the world," Trump said.

The Washington Post

That would be a tremendous setback to a program that has proven beneficial to tens of thousands of children across the state.

University of California, Berkeley

Even after the team had left, the British Deputy High Commissioner complained that the incident had caused a "tremendous setback" in relations between the two nations.

The Guardian - Sport

"If the Kaesong project is stopped and we have to pull our workers completely, it will be a tremendous setback to South-North relations," Unification Minister Ryoo Kihl-jae of South Korea said during a parliamentary hearing.

The New York Times

From the Times: "This is a tremendous setback," said Steve Valk, communications director for the Citizens Climate Lobby, an advocacy group devoted to enacting a carbon tax in the United States.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"Losing Edson was a tremendous blow — it was a real setback for Merrill".

The New York Times

"It would be a tremendous, tremendous setback," said Pepe Hernandez, the president of the Cuban American National Foundation, which provides support to the anti-Castro movement in Cuba.

The New York Times

If Assad is thrown over by his own people, it will be a tremendous strategic setback for Iran and a great victory for the rest of the people in the Middle East, and for us as well because, obviously, Iran is our sworn enemy.

The New Yorker

He was not crushed in spirit in spite of the tremendous setback he had received, but wrote to Alexander advising him to bear his success as one who was only human and to release the captives in return for a large ransom.

University of Chicago

It was a terrible setback.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tremendous setback", consider quantifying the impact to provide a clearer understanding of the situation's severity. For example, specify the amount of time lost or the degree to which goals were affected.

Common error

Avoid using "a tremendous setback" for minor inconveniences. Reserve this phrase for situations with genuinely significant and lasting negative consequences to maintain credibility and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tremendous setback" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object within a sentence. As Ludwig AI states, it describes a significant obstacle hindering progress.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tremendous setback" is a noun phrase used to describe a significant impediment or obstacle, primarily found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for describing situations with major negative impact. When using this phrase, consider quantifying the impact and avoiding its overuse for minor inconveniences. Alternative phrases include "major impediment" and "significant obstacle" to avoid repetition. The phrase is appropriate for neutral to formal registers, conveying concern or disappointment about a negative development. Its effectiveness lies in its clarity and ability to highlight the severity of a situation, making it a valuable tool for clear and impactful communication. Therefore it is generally correct to use the expression in various contexts as long as you keep in mind the guidance offered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major impediment

Focuses on the hindering aspect of the setback.

a significant obstacle

Highlights the challenging nature of the setback.

a considerable reversal

Emphasizes the change in direction caused by the setback.

a substantial difficulty

Underlines the problematic nature of the situation.

a severe disadvantage

Focuses on the unfavorable position resulting from the setback.

a critical failure

Highlights the unsuccessful outcome and its importance.

a crushing blow

Emphasizes the emotional impact and severity.

a grave misfortune

Focuses on the unfortunate and serious nature of the event.

a calamitous event

Highlights the disastrous qualities of the setback.

a devastating reverse

Stresses the destructive aspect of the setback.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tremendous setback" to describe a significant obstacle or difficulty that hinders progress or success. For instance, "The cancellation of the project was "a tremendous setback" for the team's morale."

What's a more formal alternative to "a tremendous setback"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "a significant impediment", "a considerable reversal", or "a substantial difficulty". These options provide a similar meaning while maintaining a professional register.

Is "tremendous setback" an overused phrase?

While "tremendous setback" is common, its impact can be diluted if overused. Consider using synonyms like "major impediment" or "significant obstacle" to add variety to your writing.

What is the difference between "a setback" and "a tremendous setback"?

The addition of "tremendous" emphasizes the magnitude of the setback. While "a setback" simply indicates a hindrance, "a tremendous setback" implies a much more severe and impactful negative event.