have experienced setbacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have experienced setbacks" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing challenges or difficulties that someone has faced in a particular context, such as personal growth, business, or projects. Example: "Despite having experienced setbacks in the past, she remained determined to achieve her goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Young financiers have experienced setbacks in the past.

The New York Times

"Like all who have held this office before me, I have experienced setbacks," Mr. Bush said, in a steady, even cadence.

The New York Times

NATO forces have experienced setbacks in other parts of Afghanistan, and some military officials say the advances in Kandahar may not represent a turning point in the overall war effort.

The New York Times

Democrats, who have experienced setbacks in the typically low voter turnout of special elections, were counting on a victory to provide some enthusiasm and momentum for the November elections.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Moreover, when the government has experienced setbacks, it tends to tone down its pugnacity.

The Economist

Since sustaining his second concussion this year on May 20, Church has experienced setbacks in each of the three prior instances in which the team's medical staff and outside neurologists cleared him to play.

The New York Times - Sports

The system of health care in the Phoenix area has experienced severe setbacks, especially since the 1980s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Wright, who sustained a concussion Aug. 15, said he had experienced no setbacks during his recovery and would hit off a tee Sunday and take ground balls Monday.... To make room for Pat Misch, the Mets designated Andy Green for assignment.

The New York Times - Sports

Julian Robertson, founder of Tiger Management, is on CNBC at 4 30 p.m. Maurice R. Greenberg, former chief of the American International Group, is on CNBC at 4 30 p.m. ACKMAN IN HIS OWN WORDS  |  The activist investor William A. Ackman has experienced prominent setbacks this year, racking up paper losses on his bet against Herbalife and taking a $500 million loss on J.C. Penney.

The New York Times

But so were women, younger people, the less well-paid and those who had experienced other setbacks in the preceding years.

BBC

ClassPass itself has experienced similar setbacks — including price hikes and a management reshuffle — while it is said to have seen its valuation decline for that Series C round.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have experienced setbacks", clearly specify the area in which the setbacks occurred to provide context and clarity. For example, "The project has experienced setbacks due to unforeseen technical issues" is more informative than simply "The project has experienced setbacks".

Common error

Avoid using "have experienced setbacks" as a vague statement. Instead, replace it with a more descriptive phrase that pinpoints the exact nature of the difficulties encountered. This increases clarity and provides more valuable information to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have experienced setbacks" functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone or something has encountered obstacles or difficulties that have hindered progress. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. This phrase often introduces a discussion of the causes and consequences of these difficulties.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have experienced setbacks" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for describing situations where progress has been hindered by difficulties. While Ludwig confirms its validity, it is essential to use it with specificity to provide context and avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "have faced difficulties" or "have encountered obstacles" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media sources, with less frequent usage in Encyclopedias and Wiki sources, indicating a neutral to professional register. Overall, it's a useful phrase, especially when followed by details explaining the nature and impact of the setbacks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have faced difficulties

Focuses on the challenges encountered, emphasizing the struggle rather than the specific negative outcome.

have encountered obstacles

Highlights the barriers faced, suggesting a need for problem-solving and overcoming challenges.

have suffered reversals

Emphasizes the negative turn of events or changes in fortune, suggesting a loss of progress.

have undergone trials

Highlights a period of testing and hardship, implying resilience and endurance.

have met with adversity

Focuses on the opposing forces or unfavorable conditions that have been encountered.

have hit roadblocks

Emphasizes the sudden and obstructive nature of the challenges faced.

have been through tough times

Uses a more general and empathetic tone to describe difficult experiences.

have known hardship

Highlights the experience of difficult or impoverished circumstances.

have been challenged

Focuses on the act of being put to the test or faced with demanding tasks.

have weathered storms

Emphasizes the ability to survive and overcome difficult periods or crises.

FAQs

How can I use "have experienced setbacks" in a sentence?

You can use "have experienced setbacks" to describe situations where progress has been hindered. For example: "The company "has experienced setbacks" due to the recent economic downturn".

What are some alternatives to "have experienced setbacks"?

Alternatives include "have faced difficulties", "have encountered obstacles", or "have suffered reversals", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "have experienced setbacks" or "experienced failures"?

"Have experienced setbacks" suggests temporary hindrances, while "experienced failures" implies more definitive outcomes. The best choice depends on whether the issues are ongoing or resolved.

What's the difference between "have experienced setbacks" and "have faced challenges"?

"Have faced challenges" is broader, referring to difficult tasks or situations. "Have experienced setbacks" specifically indicates that progress has been negatively impacted. Setbacks are a consequence of challenges.