encounter major setbacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "encounter major setbacks" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing challenges or difficulties faced in a project, plan, or situation. Example: "Despite their best efforts, the team encountered major setbacks that delayed the project's completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even the most successful encountered major setbacks along the way.

Forbes

Obama is encountering major new setbacks in Afghanistan, America's biggest unilateral operation despite its NATO trappings.

HuffPost

Speculation aside, Bear Stearns encountered two major setbacks Monday: Moody's downgraded a bunch of its mortgage deals with another bundle of its notes on the block and consequently its costs to insure credit default swaps surged.

Forbes

In addition to its ride-hailing service, it offers takeout food delivery (Uber Eats), and its engineers are developing vertical-liftoff aircraft (Uber Elevate) as well as driverless cars — a project that is consuming vast resources, and that encountered a major setback in March, when a pedestrian in Arizona was killed by one of Uber's autonomous vehicles.

The New Yorker

In 1998, the chain encountered its first major setback after it expanded into the North of England with five outlets in Nottingham, York, Manchester, Harrogate and Leeds.

Wikipedia

Along the way, as the film demonstrates, the workers faced several major setbacks, including encounters with underground union busting consultants, mass arrests of supporters by the police, hostile encounters with detractors on the picket line and the bakery owners' attempt to shut the business down.

The Guardian

This month contemporary pop music received two major setbacks.

The New York Times - Arts

One of the major setbacks of road construction in most flood plains is their geological incompetence.

Engineering Geology

BP experienced major setbacks yesterday.

Huffington Post

Skaggs has had no major setbacks.

Los Angeles Times

However, UBS suffered major setbacks in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "encounter major setbacks", ensure the context clearly defines the area or project where the setbacks occurred. Specificity enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "encounter major setbacks" in contexts that are not genuinely significant. Overusing dramatic language can diminish the impact of your writing and make it seem less credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encounter major setbacks" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the experience of facing significant obstacles or difficulties in a particular endeavor. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "encounter major setbacks" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe facing significant difficulties. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, its frequency is currently missing in the provided data, suggesting it may not be as commonly documented in the analyzed sources. It is generally appropriate for neutral to professional registers, suitable for describing challenges in various fields. To enhance clarity, specify the context of the setbacks. As an alternative, consider phrases such as "face significant obstacles" or "experience considerable difficulties" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

face significant obstacles

Focuses on the presence of obstacles that impede progress, similar to encountering setbacks.

experience considerable difficulties

Highlights the difficulties faced, emphasizing their substantial nature.

suffer significant reverses

Emphasizes the negative impact of the setbacks, portraying them as reversals of fortune.

meet with major impediments

Highlights the presence of impediments, which act as barriers to progress.

undergo substantial challenges

Focuses on the challenging nature of the experience, indicating significant hurdles.

confront serious problems

Highlights the problems encountered, emphasizing their severity.

run into considerable snags

Emphasizes unexpected minor difficulties or complications.

hit major stumbling blocks

Illustrates the encountering of obstacles that cause one to stumble or halt progress.

endure significant hardships

Highlights the endurance of difficult conditions or suffering.

bear the brunt of severe trials

Emphasizes the bearing of the main force of severe difficulties or tests.

FAQs

How can I use "encounter major setbacks" in a sentence?

You can use "encounter major setbacks" to describe situations where significant difficulties or obstacles have been faced. For example: "Despite their meticulous planning, the project team "encounter major setbacks" due to unforeseen regulatory changes."

What are some alternatives to "encounter major setbacks"?

Alternatives include phrases like "face significant obstacles", "experience considerable difficulties", or "suffer significant reverses", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "encounter major setbacks" in formal writing?

Yes, "encounter major setbacks" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing challenges in business, academic, or professional contexts. However, ensure the tone remains objective and avoids excessive dramatization.

What's the difference between "encounter major setbacks" and "face minor challenges"?

"Encounter major setbacks" implies significant and impactful difficulties that hinder progress, whereas "face minor challenges" suggests smaller, less consequential issues. The choice depends on the actual severity of the problems experienced.