Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
absorb setbacks
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
'absorb setbacks' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person's ability to process and learn from difficult experiences. For example, "She was resilient, able to quickly absorb setbacks and keep moving forward."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Wiki
Alternative expressions(16)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
Movements are conditioned to absorb setbacks and losses.
News & Media
But Uruguay are in the happy position that they can absorb setbacks.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
The Taliban is a proven guerrilla force with a record of absorbing setbacks, regrouping, and exploiting the rugged terrain of Afghanistan to inflict losses.
News & Media
In Europe, Microsoft absorbed setbacks and record fines from regulators and judges.
News & Media
There was a wider issue, though, and it concerned the ability of Australia to absorb such setbacks without any sense of persecution.
News & Media
Unlike Clinton, he isn't considering running for president again, which means he can afford to absorb a setback or two.
News & Media
Nobody over the past decade has absorbed more setbacks or reflected more on what policy corrections the bad stuff required.
News & Media
PAGE B7 POLL: LONGER HAUL SEEN -- As Americans absorb reports of setbacks in Iraq, they say that the war will last longer and cost more than they initially expected.
News & Media
For the next ten years he predicts an average annual growth in sales of only 7%.Brands on the blockIf Italian luxury-goods firms are both to invest enough cash to succeed in Asia, and to have the ballast to absorb the odd setback, then they may have to list on the stockmarket.
News & Media
But as those markets slow, U.S. tech companies may have to absorb a new collection of setbacks.
News & Media
Although riparian vegetation can absorb excessive nutrients so agricultural setbacks from streams and restoration of riparian habitat in these catchments would be important.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "absorb setbacks" to describe the capacity to learn and grow from negative experiences, highlighting resilience and adaptability.
Common error
Avoid using "absorb setbacks" to imply simply enduring hardship without learning or adapting. The phrase should convey active processing and growth, not passive suffering.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "absorb setbacks" functions as a verb phrase where "absorb" acts as a transitive verb taking "setbacks" as its direct object. It describes the capacity to process and integrate negative experiences or challenges into one's understanding or approach.
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Academia
20%
Wiki
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Science
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "absorb setbacks" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes the ability to learn and grow from negative experiences. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, conveying resilience and adaptability. While not extremely frequent, it is a valuable expression for highlighting the positive aspects of facing adversity. Related phrases include "recover from adversity" and "overcome obstacles".
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
bounce back from setbacks
This alternative emphasizes the act of recovering quickly and positively from difficulties.
recover from adversity
This alternative focuses on the broader concept of overcoming difficult or challenging situations.
overcome obstacles
This alternative highlights the act of successfully dealing with impediments.
learn from challenges
This alternative emphasizes the educational aspect of difficult experiences, focusing on growth and improvement.
adapt to difficulties
This alternative stresses the ability to adjust and modify one's approach when facing problems.
withstand adversity
This alternative emphasizes the ability to endure and resist hardship.
cope with failures
This alternative specifies dealing with instances of not succeeding.
handle difficulties
This alternative suggests managing and addressing problems effectively.
process setbacks
This alternative focuses on the cognitive and emotional effort required to understand and integrate negative experiences.
internalize lessons from failure
This alternative emphasizes gaining understanding from mistakes to prevent similar problems from reoccurring.
FAQs
How can I effectively use "absorb setbacks" in a sentence?
Use "absorb setbacks" to describe someone's ability to learn and grow from negative experiences, emphasizing resilience and adaptability. For example, "The team's ability to "bounce back from setbacks" was key to their success".
What are some alternatives to saying "absorb setbacks"?
Alternatives include "recover from adversity", "overcome obstacles", or "learn from challenges", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it better to say "absorb setbacks" or "withstand setbacks"?
"Absorb setbacks" implies learning and adapting, while "withstand setbacks" suggests enduring hardship without necessarily growing. The best choice depends on the intended meaning.
How does "absorb setbacks" differ from "accommodate setbacks"?
"Absorb setbacks" suggests internalizing lessons from failures, whereas "accommodate setbacks" implies making allowances for difficulties without fundamentally changing or growing.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested