full of setbacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "full of setbacks" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation that is characterized by numerous difficulties or hindrances. For example, "This project has been full of setbacks, but I'm determined to stay the course and see it through to the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Recovery has been full of setbacks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Football is full of setbacks beyond the simple pain of defeat.

Independent

It can last a lifetime, and is full of setbacks, if it succeeds at all.

The Guardian

"Chennai Express" wastes a lot of time with its elaborate setup, full of setbacks and voice-over explanations.

The New York Times

It had been four years full of setbacks and delays since the director's triumph, "Dr. Strangelove, Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb".

The New Yorker

O'Day's career was full of setbacks, yet her reputation as one of the most intelligent, technically skilful and independent of jazz singers never dimmed, and she performed into her 80s.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The 10 chapters on the incredible story of Christopher Columbus cover not only his years of petitioning the monarchs and grandees of Europe to finance a venture to the West, and not only his extraordinary first exploration, but also his later voyages, including his epic fourth voyage in 1502-4, wasch wasoso full of setback and adventure.

The New York Times - Books

But, for most participants, the Railroad was a dangerous enterprise, and its history is full of stories of setbacks, as slaveholders deployed the entire repressive machinery of the state to foil escape attempts.

The New Yorker

The struggle against injustice – and for emancipation – is long, difficult, arduous and full of defeats and setbacks.

Vice

He knows the recovery can be frustrating, full of good days and setbacks.

The New York Times - Sports

"The life of an entrepreneur is full of ups and downs, setbacks and disappointments and it is easy to feel isolated at times," says Williams.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "full of setbacks", ensure the context clearly indicates what is experiencing these setbacks. For example, "The project was full of setbacks" is clearer than just saying "It was full of setbacks."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "full of setbacks" can sound overly dramatic or formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "had a rough time" or "faced some challenges" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full of setbacks" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its characteristic of being replete with difficulties or hindrances. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, and the examples demonstrate its role in qualifying nouns associated with processes, projects, or experiences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science & Research

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "full of setbacks" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes a situation characterized by numerous difficulties or hindrances. According to Ludwig AI, its correct and frequent use in diverse contexts validates its reliability. Predominantly found in news and media, it effectively communicates challenges and impediments, as is clear from Ludwig's examples. When writing, be sure to clarify the subject experiencing the setbacks and consider simpler alternatives for casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

riddled with difficulties

Replaces "full" with "riddled", emphasizing the pervasive nature of difficulties.

beset by obstacles

Uses "beset" instead of "full", highlighting the idea of being surrounded or attacked by obstacles.

fraught with challenges

Replaces "full" with "fraught", suggesting a situation filled with potential dangers or difficulties.

marked by adversity

Focuses on the presence of adversity, or unfavorable circumstances, throughout the experience.

plagued by misfortune

Emphasizes the negative impact of misfortune as a recurring problem.

characterized by hardship

Highlights the presence of severe difficulties and suffering.

filled with complications

Substitutes "setbacks" with "complications", indicating intricate and difficult issues.

strewn with impediments

Uses "strewn" to convey the scattering of obstacles that hinder progress.

loaded with troubles

Emphasizes the burden and weight of the troubles involved.

beset with reversals

Focuses on the experience of encountering changes to an opposite direction.

FAQs

How can I use "full of setbacks" in a sentence?

You can use "full of setbacks" to describe a project, process, or experience that has encountered many problems or difficulties. For example: "The recovery process was "full of setbacks", but she eventually regained her strength".

What are some alternatives to saying "full of setbacks"?

Alternatives include "riddled with difficulties", "beset by obstacles", or "fraught with challenges". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "full of setbacks" or "full of obstacles"?

Both phrases are valid, but they have slightly different connotations. "Full of setbacks" emphasizes temporary impediments that delay progress, while "full of obstacles" suggests more significant, potentially insurmountable barriers.

What does it mean when something is described as being "full of setbacks"?

When something is described as "full of setbacks", it means that it has experienced numerous problems, delays, or reversals that have hindered its progress or success. It implies a challenging and potentially frustrating experience.