litany of setbacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "litany of setbacks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a long list or series of difficulties or challenges encountered over time. Example: "The project faced a litany of setbacks, including budget cuts, staffing issues, and unexpected delays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Among the litany of setbacks: a "fishing room" must be combined with a laundry room; a floor is stained an undesirable shade of adobe; a mover packs boxes of manuscripts incorrectly.

The New Yorker

The premiere, like so many episodes, is a litany of setbacks while on their way to accomplish a big mission – in this case attending an art show thrown by Abbi's former college roommate.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In 2012, Shell Oil - through a litany of setbacks and failures -- provided overwhelming evidence that the oil and gas industry is not prepared to operate safely in the Arctic Ocean.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Like most of the men in "We Live in Water" this guy has a litany of demotions and setbacks, which Mr. Walter conveys with characteristically dark humor.

The New York Times - Books

It has suffered a string of setbacks.

The Economist

Don't give up because of setbacks.

WikiHow

The litany of fines, which can range from $1,000 to $50,000, are a setback for any business.

Vice

Next year, a "Litany of Lamb"?

The New York Times - Food

Together they recounted a litany of trespasses.

The New York Times

But a litany of hurdles lie ahead.

Independent

A litany of farewells, then.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "litany of setbacks", ensure the context clearly indicates a series of related negative events or difficulties, rather than isolated incidents. This emphasizes the cumulative impact.

Common error

Avoid using "litany of setbacks" to describe positive or neutral situations. It's designed to highlight negative experiences, so ensure the context reflects this intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "litany of setbacks" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, describing a series of unfortunate events or obstacles. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correctly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "litany of setbacks" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase in English, as Ludwig AI confirms. It denotes a series of unfortunate events, often implying a frustrating or burdensome situation. While not exceedingly common, its use is generally appropriate in neutral to formal contexts, particularly within news and media. Alternatives like "series of misfortunes" or "succession of failures" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances. The phrase is best employed when emphasizing the cumulative negative impact of multiple, related difficulties. The phrase typically functions as a noun phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

litany of woes

Similar to the original, but replaces "setbacks" with "woes", highlighting the distress caused by the events.

series of misfortunes

This alternative focuses on the unfortunate nature of the events, emphasizing bad luck or negative outcomes.

succession of failures

This phrase highlights the lack of success, underlining the repeated inability to achieve desired results.

catalog of problems

This alternative suggests a detailed and extensive list of issues encountered.

string of adversities

This phrase emphasizes the challenging and difficult nature of the setbacks.

tale of woe

This alternative indicates a narrative filled with suffering and sorrow.

chapter of disasters

This phrase presents the setbacks as a significant and unfortunate episode.

barrage of difficulties

This option indicates a rapid and overwhelming series of problems.

parade of obstacles

This alternative suggests a continuous stream of impediments.

collection of troubles

This phrase emphasizes the accumulation of various problems.

FAQs

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

You can use "litany of setbacks" to describe a series of unfortunate events or difficulties, such as, "The project faced a "litany of setbacks", including budget cuts and staffing issues."

What is a good alternative to "litany of setbacks"?

Alternatives to "litany of setbacks" include "series of misfortunes", "succession of failures", or "catalog of problems", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "litany of setbacks" in formal writing?

Yes, "litany of setbacks" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in contexts where you need to emphasize the repeated nature of negative experiences. Its use in reputable news sources like The New York Times and The Guardian confirms its suitability for formal communication.

What's the difference between "litany of setbacks" and "string of bad luck"?

"Litany of setbacks" typically implies a causal relationship or a pattern of problems, whereas "string of bad luck" suggests random, unconnected misfortunes. "Litany" also carries a more formal tone than "string".