faced several setbacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "faced several setbacks" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing challenges or difficulties encountered in a process or project. Example: "Despite their hard work, the team faced several setbacks that delayed the project's completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The "Spider-Man" musical has faced several setbacks during its preview period, with one of its actresses suffering a concussion and two actors injured by a slingshot technique meant to propel them through the theater.

The New York Times

The $65 million production, the most expensive and technically ambitious in Broadway history, has faced several setbacks over the past few months; one of its lead actresses suffered a concussion at the first preview performance on Nov. 28, and two actors playing Spider-Man were injured by a sling-shot technique meant to propel them across the stage.

The New York Times

But it's also faced several setbacks recently.

TechCrunch

The company has faced several setbacks, however, as it cut costs and focuses on generating revenue.

TechCrunch

Do you pick the violent or non-violent way?" The game, which is being released Tuesday for Mac and PC, has faced several setbacks.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He has already faced several legal setbacks in the past few months, surprising many observers.

The Economist

But Akter, executive director of the Bangladesh Center for Worker Solidarity, faced several surprising setbacks during her trip.

The Guardian

Mr. Chen said he started working on the film 10 years ago and had faced several financial setbacks.

The New York Times - Arts

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

Meanwhile, even the refiners face several potential setbacks.

The New York Times

Alphey faced several scientific hurdles.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase to convey that a series of difficulties and adversities happened but don't elaborate the full story.

Common error

Avoid using "faced several setbacks" as a vague statement. Provide specific details about the setbacks or their consequences to add depth and meaning to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "faced several setbacks" functions as a verb phrase, typically serving as the predicate of a clause. It describes an action or experience involving encountering multiple hindrances or difficulties. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "faced several setbacks" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe encountering multiple difficulties or hindrances. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While "faced several setbacks" is a useful phrase, alternatives like "encountered numerous obstacles" or "experienced multiple difficulties" can offer nuanced variations. When using this phrase, ensure you provide adequate context about the nature and impact of the setbacks to enhance clarity. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase without specific details. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, you can effectively incorporate "faced several setbacks" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encountered numerous obstacles

Replaces 'setbacks' with 'obstacles' and 'several' with 'numerous', emphasizing the obstructive nature of the challenges.

experienced multiple difficulties

Substitutes 'faced' with 'experienced' and 'setbacks' with 'difficulties', highlighting the personal experience of hardship.

suffered various impediments

Replaces "faced" with "suffered" to stress the negative impact of impediments, which are hindrances or obstructions.

underwent repeated failures

Focuses on the aspect of failure inherent in the setbacks, using 'underwent' to describe the experience.

met with a series of challenges

Emphasizes the proactive meeting of challenges rather than passively facing setbacks.

ran into recurring problems

Highlights the recurring nature of the problems encountered, using 'ran into' to suggest an unexpected encounter.

was beset by frequent troubles

Implies a state of being constantly troubled by difficulties, using 'beset' to convey a sense of being surrounded by problems.

stumbled over numerous hurdles

Emphasizes the act of overcoming hurdles, suggesting a more active struggle against the setbacks.

contended with a string of reverses

Highlights the aspect of reverses or losses in the face of opposition or difficulty.

grappled with various hindrances

Implies a prolonged struggle against various hindrances, emphasizing the effort involved.

FAQs

How can I use "faced several setbacks" in a sentence?

You can use "faced several setbacks" to describe a situation where someone or something has encountered multiple obstacles or difficulties. For example, "Despite the team's best efforts, they "faced several setbacks" during the project".

What can I say instead of "faced several setbacks"?

You can use alternatives like "encountered numerous obstacles", "experienced multiple difficulties", or "suffered various impediments" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "faced several setbacks" or "overcame several setbacks"?

The choice depends on the context. "Faced several setbacks" simply states that difficulties were encountered. "Overcame several setbacks" implies that the difficulties were successfully resolved. If the difficulties are ongoing or unresolved, "faced several setbacks" is more accurate.

What is the difference between "setback" and "obstacle"?

While both terms refer to hindrances, a "setback" implies a temporary delay or reversal in progress, while an "obstacle" suggests a barrier that needs to be overcome to move forward. Therefore, an "obstacle" might cause a "setback".