crushing setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crushing setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant and overwhelming failure or disappointment in various contexts, such as personal, professional, or sports-related situations. Example: "After months of preparation, the team's unexpected loss in the finals was a crushing setback for their championship hopes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

That would be a crushing setback.

The Economist

For lesser sides, it might have been a crushing setback.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet what followed, for Villa, was a crushing setback.

The Guardian - Sport

"For many people of wealth, they've had a crushing setback as well".

The New York Times

The scandal has dealt a crushing setback to Mr. Roh and his supporters.

The New York Times

As Andy Dawson confirmed, the psychological challenge involved will be immense, particularly in the wake of ­Saturday's crushing setback.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

BRITAIN'S three big political parties all face crushing setbacks in next week's local elections.

The Economist

For her, as for most novice teachers, the first few months on the job have been a whirlwind of highs and lows, giddy successes and crushing setbacks.

The New York Times

Sure, the Yankees have not been immune from crushing setbacks: the loss, in seven games, to Bill Mazeroski and the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1960 World Series, for instance, or the 2001 meltdown by Mariano Rivera in Game 7 of the World Series against Arizona that took place just weeks after the Sept. 11 attacks.

The New York Times - Sports

You need to have the sheer energy and stamina to be on 24-7, and the emotional toughness to persevere and inspire others despite crushing setbacks.

Forbes

His early life, and the many crushing setbacks he endured, forged a belligerence and steel in his personality and ultimately crafted one of the most effective English footballers of the 1990s.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "crushing setback", consider the emotional weight it carries. Ensure it accurately reflects the severity of the situation you're describing to avoid exaggeration.

Common error

Avoid using "crushing setback" for minor inconveniences. This phrase is best reserved for situations with genuinely significant negative consequences or implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crushing setback" functions as a noun phrase. It describes a noun (setback) with the adjective "crushing", indicating the intensity or severity of the setback. Ludwig provides many examples of this usage, which indicates its use in practical writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "crushing setback" is a noun phrase used to describe a significant and disappointing event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and business. While versatile, reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong expression. Alternatives such as "devastating blow" or "major disappointment" may be more appropriate depending on the intended emotional impact. Overall, "crushing setback" is a powerful phrase when used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devastating blow

Emphasizes the severe emotional or psychological impact of the negative event.

severe blow

Highlights the forceful and damaging impact of the negative event.

heavy blow

Emphasizes the weight and impact of the negative event.

major disappointment

Highlights the feeling of unmet expectations and dissatisfaction.

serious adversity

Focuses on the challenging and difficult nature of the situation.

significant impediment

Underscores the obstacle or hindrance created by the event.

grave misfortune

Indicates a severe and unfortunate event, often with lasting consequences.

major reversal

Highlights a change of fortune from positive to negative.

substantial failure

Focuses on the lack of success or achievement.

bitter disappointment

Emphasizes the intense negative emotion associated with the unmet expectation.

FAQs

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

You can use "crushing setback" to describe a significant and disappointing event. For example, "The team's defeat in the finals was a crushing setback for their championship aspirations."

What are some alternatives to "crushing setback"?

Alternatives include "devastating blow", "major disappointment", or "serious adversity", depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

When is it appropriate to use "crushing setback"?

Use "crushing setback" when describing a situation that represents a major negative turn of events, significantly hindering progress or causing considerable disappointment.

Is "crushing setback" more formal or informal?

"Crushing setback" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is more frequently found in news and media reporting or professional communications.