after repeated setbacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "after repeated setbacks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has faced multiple challenges or failures before achieving a goal or making progress. Example: "After repeated setbacks, the team finally managed to complete the project successfully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Almost 200 nations have agreed to work out a new deal by the end of 2015 to combat climate change, after repeated setbacks.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It would also allow foreign criminals to be deported more easily, as well as people who are in the UK illegally, after the government's repeated setbacks in its efforts to deport the radical cleric Abu Qatada.

BBC

But after months of tortuous negotiations and repeated setbacks, senior bankers and officials remained cautious as the deadline approached.

The New York Times

Ford, after having posted a $12.7 billion loss in 2006, faced repeated setbacks in 2007; its sales were down every month of the year except November, for a total decline of 12%.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet there are repeated setbacks.

The Economist

Despite repeated setbacks to his efforts to pass gun laws, Mr. Bloomberg has vowed to accelerate his campaign, even after his mayoralty ends in December.

The New York Times

Despite repeated setbacks, Mason said that Personhood USA will continue its efforts to get the amendment on the ballot next year or the year after in Ohio, Florida and Oregon, depending on their election agendas.

The Guardian

Others who have had similar procedures — most notably Chien-Ming Wang — have faced repeated setbacks and diminished effectiveness.

The New York Times - Sports

The repeated setbacks took its toll on the company, which was once known as Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics.

The New York Times - Health

Then she saw Madame Curie, the Greer Garson film about Marie Curie, who had suffered repeated setbacks before discovering radium.

Independent

The repeated setbacks were cause for "extraordinary precautions" in the final choreography of the swap, the Administration official told me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "after repeated setbacks", ensure the context clearly indicates what actions were taken or what state was achieved after overcoming these difficulties. This provides a complete picture and emphasizes resilience or eventual success.

Common error

Avoid using "after repeated setbacks" when the challenges were minor or easily overcome. The phrase implies significant and persistent obstacles that have a notable impact on the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after repeated setbacks" functions as an introductory phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier that sets the context for a main clause. It indicates the temporal relationship, specifically after a series of negative events. As Ludwig AI highlights, this is used to describe situations where challenges or failures occurred before achieving a goal or making progress.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "after repeated setbacks" is a grammatically correct and commonly used introductory phrase that sets the context by highlighting prior difficulties. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is frequently employed in news and media, as well as scientific and encyclopedic sources, making it suitable for a range of communication styles from neutral to somewhat formal. To enhance clarity, make sure the context indicates the state achieved after the setbacks. Alternative phrases like "following a series of failures" or "despite numerous difficulties" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Be mindful that "setbacks" imply more than minor challenges. Ensure the phrase is followed by a clear description of what happened after overcoming these difficulties to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following a series of failures

Emphasizes the sequence of failures leading to the current situation; focuses on the unsuccessful attempts.

in the wake of multiple obstacles

Highlights the presence of obstacles and their impact on subsequent events, suggesting a consequential relationship.

despite numerous difficulties

Focuses on the difficulties faced and emphasizes the continuation of effort regardless of these challenges.

subsequent to recurrent problems

Formally indicates that the problems occurred before the action or event in question, highlighting the chronological order.

after enduring multiple defeats

Emphasizes the experience of enduring and overcoming the defeats, suggesting resilience.

overcoming repeated obstacles

Highlights the act of successfully navigating or surpassing the barriers, implying triumph or resolution.

experiencing frequent challenges

Focuses on challenges being a recurring component of a process or situation, rather than distinct setbacks.

confronted with continuous hurdles

Highlights the ongoing nature of the challenges, suggesting that the person or entity is perpetually facing them.

following continual frustration

Emphasizes emotional element, implying difficulties have caused discouragement; it is less neutral than "setbacks".

in spite of regular impediments

Highlights the persistent and obstructive nature of what is hindering progress, it is a more formal option.

FAQs

How can I use "after repeated setbacks" in a sentence?

You can use "after repeated setbacks" to indicate a situation where progress was made despite facing numerous difficulties. For example: "After repeated setbacks, the team finally achieved its goal."

What are some alternatives to "after repeated setbacks"?

Some alternatives include "following a series of failures", "despite numerous difficulties", or "in the wake of multiple obstacles". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "after repeated setbacks" or "after several setbacks"?

"After repeated setbacks" emphasizes the ongoing and persistent nature of the difficulties more strongly than "after several setbacks". The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the number or the persistence of the setbacks.

What is the difference between "setback" and "obstacle" when using "after repeated setbacks"?

A "setback" implies a temporary delay or reversal in progress, while an "obstacle" suggests a barrier that needs to be overcome. "After repeated setbacks" focuses on the interruptions to progress, whereas "after repeated obstacles" emphasizes the challenges faced along the way.