face setbacks

USAGE SUMMARY

"face setbacks" is an appropriate phrase to use in written English.
It can be used when talking about any situation in which someone has encountered difficulty. For example, "In her career, she had to face many setbacks, but she never gave up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Of course, like all new democracies, they will face setbacks.

The New York Times

In her book, the three main characters face setbacks after the anti-government protests of 2009.

The New York Times

I don't know about you, but I've absolutely had enough of identity politics and people playing the victim when they face setbacks in life.

The Guardian - Opinion

PAGE C1 401(k)'s Face Setbacks Big companies like Charles Schwab are no longer matching contributions to employee 401(k) retirement-savings plans.

The New York Times

Vettel has also been criticized — notably by Jacques Villeneuve, a former world champion — for not having the strength of character to face setbacks when things are not going his way.

The New York Times - Sports

When we face setbacks, it is natural to fall into a fixed mindset, which leads to comparing ourselves with others, turning our energy inward, away from solving the problem, further amplifying the negative emotional spiral.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

'Enough light comes from windows facing side setback areas' was positively associated with 'There is good ventilation from windows to side setback area' (0.69, p = 0.01).

City, Territory and Architecture

However, the organisation has faced  setbacks.

Independent

Behind the scenes, Motley faced setbacks.

Harvard University

Stem Cell Movement Faces Setbacks in Mo.

The Washington Post

And the lawyers for the nephew have already faced setbacks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "face setbacks", ensure the context clearly indicates the nature and scope of the difficulties encountered. Providing specific examples can enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

While "face setbacks" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "encounter obstacles" or "experience difficulties" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face setbacks" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of encountering difficulties or obstacles. Ludwig highlights its usage across various contexts, demonstrating its flexibility in describing challenging situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "face setbacks" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe encountering challenges or obstacles. According to Ludwig, this phrase is acceptably used across diverse fields like news, academics, and science. While not overly formal, it maintains a neutral register suitable for broad application. When writing, be mindful of context, varying your language with synonyms to avoid repetition. A deeper understanding of this phrase and similar expressions can help effectively convey situations involving difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confront challenges

Replaces "face" with "confront" highlighting the act of directly addressing obstacles.

encounter obstacles

Replaces "face" with "encounter" and "setbacks" with "obstacles", both implying challenges.

navigate difficulties

Focuses on the process of maneuvering through challenging situations.

experience difficulties

Substitutes "face setbacks" with a more general term for problems.

grapple with challenges

Highlights the struggle and effort involved in overcoming obstacles.

meet with adversity

Uses a more formal tone to convey facing unfavorable situations.

contend with hardships

Emphasizes the severity and difficulty of the problems faced.

endure hardships

Focuses on bearing the burden of difficulties and persisting through them.

undergo trials

Emphasizes the testing or challenging nature of the experience.

suffer reversals

Focuses on the negative turn of events or changes in fortune.

FAQs

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

You can use "face setbacks" to describe situations where someone encounters obstacles or difficulties. For example, "Even the most successful entrepreneurs "face setbacks" on their journey to success".

What are some alternatives to "face setbacks"?

Alternatives to "face setbacks" include "encounter obstacles", "experience difficulties", or "meet with adversity". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it better to say "face a setback" or "face setbacks"?

The choice between "face a setback" and "face setbacks" depends on whether you are referring to a single instance of difficulty or multiple instances. Use "face a setback" for a single event and "face setbacks" for multiple or recurring difficulties.

What's the difference between "face setbacks" and "overcome challenges"?

"Face setbacks" describes the act of encountering difficulties, while "overcome challenges" implies successfully dealing with and resolving those difficulties. The latter suggests a positive outcome, while the former simply acknowledges the existence of problems.