likely setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that is expected to cause a delay or difficulty in progress. Example: "The project may face a likely setback due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite numerous complications and likely setbacks ahead, the idea has gained momentum because it offers major advantages for each of those parties.

Los Angeles Times

But it just seems like setback after setback after setback".

The New York Times

Incremental change over time is thus possible, and even likely, despite setbacks in the short term.

The Washington Post

After the recent increase in prices, earnings disappointments or other bits of adverse news will likely cause setbacks.

Huffington Post

Burbank, which won a share of the league title last season, can't likely afford another setback if it hopes to repeat.

Los Angeles Times

These markets are more likely to suffer setbacks but the growth and demographic story is so compelling.

Independent

Obama has frequently acknowledged that his ambitious agenda at home and abroad was always likely to see setbacks, a fact borne out by the average success rate across all nine speeches of 2.2 out of 5. "I campaigned on the promise of change – change we can believe in, the slogan went," he recalled in 2010.

The Guardian

We knew there were likely to be setbacks along the way but we are here to win as many games of cricket as possible.

BBC

If you diet, you are likely to have setbacks.

Huffington Post

Progress on LGBTQ rights and women's reproductive rights is likely to suffer setbacks in the Supreme Court if Mr. Trump chooses to fill the vacancy left by Antonin Scalia's death with a justice who shares Scalia's discriminatory values.

Huffington Post

If the person drags out of the office disengaged and joyless, a setback is likely to blame.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "likely setback", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being set back and why. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "likely setback" when the setback is already confirmed. "Likely" implies probability, not certainty. If it has already happened, describe it as a "recent setback" or "past setback" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely setback" functions as a noun phrase where "likely" modifies "setback". It suggests an anticipated or probable impediment to progress. The phrase indicates a potential negative event that is foreseen but not yet confirmed.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "likely setback" is a noun phrase used to describe an anticipated problem or delay. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound. While examples are limited, it's considered neutral in register and serves to manage expectations by preparing audiences for potential future impediments. Alternatives include "probable hurdle" or "potential obstacle". When using "likely setback", ensure the context indicates clearly what is being set back and why, and avoid using it when the setback has already occurred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probable hurdle

Substitutes "setback" with "hurdle", emphasizing a challenge to overcome.

potential obstacle

Replaces "likely" with "potential" and "setback" with "obstacle", indicating a possible hindrance.

expected difficulty

Uses "difficulty" instead of "setback", focusing on the anticipated challenge.

foreseeable problem

Highlights the predictability of the issue, using "problem" as a general term.

anticipated delay

Focuses specifically on a time-related impediment, using "delay" to represent the setback.

possible complication

Introduces the idea of complexity with "complication", suggesting a branching issue.

imminent snag

Emphasizes the closeness of the issue with "imminent" and uses "snag" for a minor problem.

upcoming stumbling block

Uses "stumbling block" to denote something that impedes progress.

expected regression

Specifically implies a return to a previous, less developed state

approaching impediment

Suggests the hindrance is drawing nearer, using 'impediment' as formal alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "likely setback" in a sentence?

You can use "likely setback" to describe a situation where a delay or problem is anticipated. For example, "The project may face a "likely setback" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "likely setback"?

Alternatives include "probable hurdle", "potential obstacle", or "expected difficulty", depending on the context.

Is "likely setback" formal or informal?

"Likely setback" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language may influence the overall tone.

What's the difference between "likely setback" and "definite setback"?

"Likely setback" indicates a probability, suggesting the setback is expected but not guaranteed. "Definite setback", on the other hand, implies the setback has already occurred or is certain to happen.