a worrying setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a worrying setback" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or event that causes concern or difficulty, particularly in the context of progress or success. Example: "The recent loss of funding was a worrying setback for the research project, delaying its timeline significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The new outbreak is a worrying setback.

The New York Times

Her jailing, they say, marks a worrying setback for democracy.

The Guardian

Ali Anouzla, the editor of the Arabic news website Lakome, faces up to 20 years in prison if found guilty, in what Amnesty International described as a "worrying setback for freedom of expression".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

All three of Di Luisa's career defeats have occurred before the final bell has rung, with his most worrying setback a November 2012 retired loss against light-hitting Frenchman Christopher Rebrasse.

Independent

They lost three of those matches, including against Bulgaria last weekend, but their most worrying setback came when they were outplayed by Germany last November.

BBC

This is a worrying prospect.

The Economist

A worrying thought.

The New Yorker

That's a worrying thought.

The Guardian

Nor is it just a worrying curiosity.

The Economist

It's a worrying trend.

The Guardian

"It's a worrying thing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a worrying setback", ensure the context clearly defines what progress is being hindered. For instance, specify which project, goal, or situation has experienced the setback to provide clarity to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a worrying setback" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where the setback genuinely poses a considerable threat to progress or success. Otherwise, opt for milder expressions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a worrying setback" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a situation or event that negatively impacts progress or expectations. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a worrying setback" is a phrase used to describe situations where progress has been negatively impacted, causing concern. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and most frequently used in news and media contexts. While not highly frequent, it's a suitable expression for formal and neutral communication. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "concerning impediment" or "troubling regression" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

troubling regression

Substitutes "worrying setback" with terms that highlight the backward movement and associated anxiety.

alarming regression

This alternative heightens the level of concern associated with the backward step.

concerning development

Emphasizes the problematic nature of the unfolding situation, differing from a specific setback.

concerning impediment

Replaces "worrying setback" with synonyms emphasizing obstruction and unease.

disquieting reversal

Emphasizes the unsettling nature of the change in direction instead of a mere setback.

unsettling hindrance

Focuses on the disturbing aspect of the obstacle, rather than the idea of a temporary delay.

unfortunate complication

This alternative focuses on the problem being an unwanted and unwelcome addition.

serious obstacle

This alternative simplifies the phrase by focusing on the gravity of the impediment.

critical downturn

This alternative replaces the original with a term indicating a significant negative shift.

significant difficulty

This phrase offers a more general expression of a notable problem.

FAQs

How can "a worrying setback" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a worrying setback" to describe situations where progress is impeded. For example: "The budget cuts represent "a worrying setback" for the research team".

What are some alternatives to "a worrying setback"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "concerning impediment", "troubling regression", or "alarming regression".

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

Yes, "a worrying setback" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news reports, academic papers, and business documents. However, always consider if a more precise or impactful phrase might be more effective.

What distinguishes "a worrying setback" from "a challenge"?

"A challenge" refers to an obstacle that requires effort to overcome. "A worrying setback" implies that progress has been reversed or hindered, causing concern about achieving the desired outcome. For instance, the former refers to something that can still be overcome, the latter indicates a significant hurdle to overcome.