devastating setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devastating setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant and harmful obstacle or failure that hinders progress or success. Example: "The team faced a devastating setback when their main sponsor withdrew funding just weeks before the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Jerkens conceded it was a "devastating" setback to miss the Derby on Saturday.

The New York Times

He should resign because, if he does not, his once-glittering agenda of centrist change faces a devastating setback in November's Congressional elections.

The New York Times

Ed Miliband said the result was a "devastating" setback for David Cameron and he was determined to meet the challenge posed by UKIP.

BBC

Two years ago, the dream of having elected mayors running all of England's biggest cities suffered an abrupt and, some might say, devastating setback.

BBC

For those prisoners, Ajmi's attack was a devastating setback.

The New Yorker

Becoming homeless was a devastating setback, but Ms. Weinu remains determined to stay on track.

The New York Times

It was a puzzling if not quite devastating setback for the Uncle Mo camp.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

This month alone has seen several devastating setbacks.

The New York Times

The dueling realities of their history -- steady progress and devastating setbacks -- continue to burden many black men in ways that are sometimes difficult to explain.

The Washington Post

A lifelong politician, García's career was marked by epic triumphs and devastating setbacks in a rollercoaster of a public life fueled by his charisma and capacity for reinvention.

The Washington Post

Someday, in the months ahead, there may be an Iraq where a smoothly run American occupation authority has dealt devastating setbacks to terrorism, brought security to most of the country, improved infrastructure and basic services, and elicited encouraging signs of democracy, economic renewal and cultural rebirth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "devastating setback" to clearly communicate a significant and negative event that severely hinders progress or success. It is best used when the impact is substantial and causes considerable disruption.

Common error

Avoid using "devastating setback" for minor inconveniences or temporary delays. Reserve it for situations where the negative impact is truly significant and long-lasting; otherwise, it dilutes the impact of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devastating setback" functions as a noun phrase, where "devastating" modifies the noun "setback". As supported by Ludwig, it describes an event or situation that significantly hinders progress.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "devastating setback" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe a significant and harmful obstacle. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, with applications in science and business as well. While effective for highlighting severe hindrances, avoid overusing it for minor issues to maintain its impact. Alternatives include "crushing blow" or "major reversal", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to reserve "devastating setback" for situations with truly significant and disruptive consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crushing blow

This alternative implies a forceful and demoralizing impact, similar to a "devastating setback" but potentially more immediate and emotional.

serious blow

Similar to "crushing blow", but perhaps slightly less intense, still implying a significant negative impact.

severe blow

This option highlights the intensity of the impact, similar to a "devastating setback", indicating a considerable negative effect.

major reversal

This suggests a complete change in direction, emphasizing the change in fortune rather than the emotional impact.

significant impediment

This term focuses on the obstacle aspect, highlighting something that hinders progress considerably.

critical failure

This alternative highlights the importance of the failure, rather than the size of the negative impact.

major failure

This alternative underlines the lack of success; different focus, still a negative outcome.

significant failure

This option highlights the degree of unsuccessfulness; different focus, still a negative outcome.

significant hurdle

This alternative emphasizes the challenge to overcome, rather than the emotional disappointment.

setback

A shorter, more concise way of expressing a negative event that delays progress.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "devastating setback" in a sentence?

Employ "devastating setback" to highlight a significantly negative event that severely impacts progress or goals. For example, "The sudden loss of funding was a "devastating setback" for the project."

What are some alternatives to using "devastating setback"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "crushing blow", "major reversal", or "significant impediment" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "devastating setback" appropriate for describing minor inconveniences?

No, "devastating setback" is best reserved for situations where the negative impact is substantial and long-lasting. Using it for minor issues can dilute the impact of the phrase.

What distinguishes "devastating setback" from a regular "setback"?

The term "devastating" emphasizes the severity and wide-reaching impact of the setback, indicating a more profound and damaging consequence than a typical "setback".