experiencing setbacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "experiencing setbacks" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing challenges or difficulties encountered in a process or journey, such as in personal development, projects, or business endeavors. Example: "Despite experiencing setbacks along the way, she remained determined to achieve her goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Children who already suffered from these disorders may be experiencing setbacks.

The New York Times

Merck, which recently replaced its head of research and development after experiencing setbacks in drug development, has been only a bit player in oncology drugs.

The New York Times

After experiencing setbacks in 2006 including a 4.1-million-unit recall and an overhaul of the customer service division struggling with complaints Dell, Inc., lost the title of world's largest PC manufacturer to Hewlett-Packard.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After experiencing setbacks in 2006 including a 4.1-million-unit recall and an overhaul of the customer service division struggling with complaints Dell Inc., lost the title of world's largest PC manufacturer to Hewlett-Packard.

Britannica

In a world defined by hypercompetition and intense pressure, where business breakthroughs and career advancement demand a willingness to take risks and defy convention, the notion that any person can achieve meaningful success without experiencing setbacks and disappointments seems hopelessly naïve.

Harvard Business Review

Most Africans are now better governed than in 2000, but the pace of improvement has slowed, and many countries are experiencing setbacks in public safety and the rule of law, a group dedicated to improving leadership on the continent reported Monday.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Both ships experienced setbacks.

The New York Times

And you're going to experience setbacks.

Princeton University

On Nato, the Kremlin has experienced setbacks.

The Guardian

But in the first two episodes he mostly experiences setbacks.

The New York Times - Arts

Young financiers have experienced setbacks in the past.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "experiencing setbacks", clearly identify the area where the setbacks are occurring to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences with "experiencing setbacks" in a way that obscures who or what is facing the difficulties. Instead of saying "Setbacks were experienced", specify who is "experiencing setbacks" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "experiencing setbacks" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of undergoing difficulties or regressions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "experiencing setbacks" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing the act of undergoing difficulties or regressions in progress. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Academia, and Encyclopedias. While it maintains a neutral to formal register, it can be replaced with alternatives like "encountering difficulties" or "facing obstacles" to subtly alter the tone. Remembering to specify the area where setbacks are occurring and avoiding the overuse of passive voice are essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encountering difficulties

Focuses on the act of running into problems, rather than the feeling of regression implied by "setbacks".

facing obstacles

Highlights the confrontation with impediments, emphasizing the challenge rather than the disappointment.

suffering reverses

Emphasizes the negative impact and loss associated with the difficulties.

undergoing hardships

Focuses on the difficult and challenging conditions being endured.

meeting with adversity

Highlights the opposition and unfavorable circumstances encountered.

hitting roadblocks

Uses a metaphorical expression to describe encountering obstacles that impede progress.

enduring trials

Focuses on the aspect of patience and resilience when facing difficulties.

having challenges

A more general way to describe facing difficulties, lacking the sense of regression.

stumbling blocks

Uses another metaphorical expression, focusing on specific hindrances to progress.

going through rough patches

Implies a temporary period of difficulty, which may or may not cause a regression.

FAQs

What does "experiencing setbacks" mean?

The phrase "experiencing setbacks" refers to encountering temporary delays, reverses, or impediments in progress toward a goal. It suggests a temporary regression after a period of advancement.

What are some alternatives to "experiencing setbacks"?

You can use alternatives like "encountering difficulties", "facing obstacles", or "suffering reverses" depending on the context.

How can I use "experiencing setbacks" in a sentence?

You can use "experiencing setbacks" to describe a situation where progress is not linear. For example, "The project is experiencing setbacks due to unforeseen technical issues."

Is "experiencing setbacks" formal or informal?

The phrase "experiencing setbacks" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it may be more common in professional or news-related settings.