major setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant obstacle or difficulty that hinders progress in a project or situation. Example: "The unexpected loss of funding was a major setback for the research team, delaying their project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Or a major setback for feminism?

Independent

"This was a major setback.

The New York Times - Sports

"Any major setback could undercut that goal.

The New York Times

Egypt's march toward democracy has suffered a major setback.

The New York Times

Last week, the good news had a major setback.

The New York Times

The loss of Shockey, though, is clearly a major setback.

The New York Times - Sports

And there has already been a major setback.

The New York Times

Pte Nick (Princess) Whelan has had a major setback.

The Guardian

"Syriza suffered a major setback, there's no denying it.

The Guardian

Despite 2009's gains, few predict a major setback today.

The New York Times

"This can be a small glitch or major setback".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "major setback" to describe a significant event that hinders progress, not minor inconveniences. This ensures the phrase maintains its impact and relevance.

Common error

Avoid using "major setback" to describe trivial problems. Reserve it for genuinely significant obstacles to maintain the phrase's impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major setback" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is used to describe a significant obstacle or impediment that hinders progress. Examples in Ludwig show it used across various contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major setback" is a commonly used noun phrase that effectively communicates a significant obstacle or impediment. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. Its neutral to professional register makes it suitable for conveying serious issues without being overly dramatic. When using this phrase, consider providing specific details about the cause and consequences of the setback to enhance clarity. Remember to reserve it for genuinely significant obstacles to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant impediment

Emphasizes the hindering aspect, focusing on the obstacle rather than the regression.

serious difficulty

Highlights the problematic nature of the situation, focusing on the challenges posed.

substantial hurdle

Implies an obstacle that requires considerable effort to overcome.

considerable reverse

Focuses on the backward movement or negative progress experienced.

notable regression

Highlights the act of returning to a previous, less advanced state.

significant downturn

Indicates a decline or worsening of conditions.

primary obstacle

Singles out the most important or significant barrier to progress.

key stumbling block

Suggests a major impediment that prevents forward movement.

severe blow

Implies a sudden and negative impact.

critical failure

Emphasizes the unsuccessful outcome and its importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "major setback" to describe a significant obstacle or problem that delays or prevents progress. For instance, "The project experienced a "major setback" when funding was cut."

What are some alternatives to "major setback"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "significant impediment", "serious difficulty", or "substantial hurdle" as alternatives to "major setback".

Is "major setback" formal or informal?

"Major setback" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone than the phrase itself.

What's the difference between "major setback" and "minor setback"?

A "major setback" implies a substantial obstacle with significant consequences, while a "minor setback" refers to a smaller, less impactful problem. The choice depends on the scale and effect of the issue being described.