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
experience setback
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"experience setback" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to difficulties or a period of time during which a difficult situation occurs. For example: "My career has seen a few setbacks, but I'm determined to continue pushing forward."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
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
By setting up an experiment, students experience setback, inadequacy, and success which stimulate the desire of higher learning and scientific research and improve basic and professional skills.
Science
This is not to say that I don't experience setback but what I am saying is, even in my most-difficult moments I still remain hopeful.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
And you're going to experience setbacks.
Academia
When launching a new venture, entrepreneurs will inevitably experience setbacks.
It feels okay to be imperfect or to experience setbacks.
News & Media
But you'll also need a strategy for staying motivated when you experience setbacks and obstacles.
News & Media
"When relations experience setbacks and hardships, we have to cope stoically and remain confident of victory".
News & Media
"On this journey," Mr. Obama said, "you're going to experience setbacks and you have to be persistent and stubborn, and you just have to keep on going at it.
News & Media
In my experience, setbacks are part of the nature of research, and he's been great at helping to move projects forward.
His sparse, careful words were marinated in wisdom, his thoughts elucidated by years of hard-won experience, setbacks, undiminished hope and true, not feigned compassion.
News & Media
You have got to experience setbacks.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Combine it with additional information in order to clearly portray reasons for the difficulties met. For example, "The company experienced a setback because of poor management."
Common error
While grammatically correct, overusing passive voice with "experience setback" can make your writing sound vague. Prefer active constructions when possible. For example, instead of saying "A setback was experienced by the team," consider saying "The team experienced a setback."
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "experience setback" functions as a verb phrase, where "experience" acts as a transitive verb taking "setback" as its direct object. It describes the act of encountering or undergoing a negative event that hinders progress. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Academia
33%
Science
33%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "experience setback" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe encountering a difficulty or obstacle that hinders progress. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not overly formal, it's appropriate for neutral contexts such as news, academia, and professional settings. Common alternatives include "encounter difficulties" and "face obstacles". Usage data suggests this phrase is infrequently encountered, so consider its impact within the context of your writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
encounter difficulties
This alternative focuses on the challenges faced rather than the specific instance of a setback.
face obstacles
Similar to encountering difficulties, this highlights the presence of impediments.
suffer a reversal
Implies a change in fortune or progress for the worse.
meet with adversity
This suggests facing challenging or unfavorable circumstances.
undergo hardship
Focuses on the difficulty and suffering experienced.
hit a roadblock
A more metaphorical expression indicating an obstruction to progress.
stumble
A less formal term for a minor setback or mistake.
face a challenge
More general term for facing something that requires effort.
have a hiccup
Suggests a minor and temporary setback.
endure a delay
Focuses specifically on postponements and interruptions.
FAQs
What does "experience setback" mean?
To "experience setback" means to encounter a difficulty, obstacle, or temporary failure that delays or prevents progress towards a goal. It implies facing a negative event that hinders advancement.
How can I use "experience setback" in a sentence?
You can use "experience setback" to describe encountering difficulties. For example, "The project "experienced a setback" due to funding issues", or "Despite the initial success, the company "experienced a setback" after the new regulations were implemented."
What are some alternatives to "experience setback"?
Alternatives to "experience setback" include "encounter difficulties", "face obstacles", or "suffer a reversal", depending on the specific context.
Is it more appropriate to say "experience setback" or "experienced setback"?
The choice between "experience setback" and "experienced setback" depends on the tense you want to convey. Use "experience setback" when talking about a general tendency or future possibility, and "experienced setback" when referring to a specific past event. For example, "Companies often experience setbacks" versus "The company experienced a setback last quarter".
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
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested