multiple setbacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "multiple setbacks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has faced several difficulties or obstacles. Example: "Despite facing multiple setbacks during the project, the team remained determined to achieve their goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Because of zoning constraints, he created multiple setbacks, with the building forming a wedding cake configuration at its center.

The New York Times

Despite multiple setbacks, the dollar remains the lingua franca of global commerce and the currency of choice for foreign central banks.

The New York Times

It was estimated that he would be out a month, but he suffered multiple setbacks and did not return until Sept. 19.

The New York Times

Two players thought to be nearing the ends of their careers after multiple setbacks and surgeries -- Kerry Kittles and Anfernee Hardaway -- have flourished this season for their respective teams, the Nets and the Phoenix Suns.

The New York Times - Sports

The Hobbit has faced multiple setbacks in the six years since the trilogy was first given the green light, including the loss of original director Guillermo Del Toro, a fire that destroyed a number of vital miniatures, and an enormous feud with a local New Zealand union that at one point looked likely to become a general actors' boycott of the project.

The Guardian - Film

Outside analysts note that during Dr. Abbasi's brief tenure in his new job, Iran's top leaders have focused on showing that they have overcome multiple setbacks, inflicted by what they suspect to have been covert actions by the United States and Israel, and broad economic sanctions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Despite a global financial crisis, economic recession and multiple technical setbacks in the past two years, the world's major airplane makers, Boeing and Airbus, can at least take some comfort from the relative health and soaring ambitions of their Asian and Middle Eastern customers.

The New York Times

The ban has faced multiple legal setbacks and could be headed to the Supreme Court.

Huffington Post

Although deeply rewarding, none of this was easy, and this Translation Issue is the fruit of many months of hard work and collaboration, multiple deadlines and setbacks," Kilolo writes.

The Guardian - Books

Since then she has overcome a career-threatening shoulder injury, revamped her service motion and maintained her appetite for competition despite multiple on-court setbacks and despite all the millions of dollars she already has earned.

The New York Times - Sports

Rebels in provinces to the west of Kobane say their front lines with IS have been quiet, suggesting that the jihadists are struggling to fight on multiple fronts.The biggest setback appears to have been to the aura of invincibility that IS acquired last year when its advance through Iraq and Syria seemed unstoppable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "multiple setbacks", ensure the context clearly defines what constituted each individual setback. Be specific to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "multiple setbacks" when the issues are minor or easily resolved. Reserve this phrase for significant obstacles that genuinely impede progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "multiple setbacks" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It describes a situation characterized by a series of adverse events. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

29%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "multiple setbacks" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes a situation marked by a series of difficulties. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for use in professional, neutral contexts like news articles, scientific papers, and business communications. While interchangeable with alternatives like "numerous obstacles" or "frequent difficulties", it's important to use the phrase accurately, ensuring that the described issues are genuinely significant impediments. Be mindful of overstating the severity and clearly define the specific setbacks to enhance clarity. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recurrent problems

Focuses on the repeated occurrence of issues.

numerous obstacles

Highlights the barriers encountered rather than the failures.

frequent difficulties

Highlights the recurring nature of the problems.

several hurdles

Suggests challenges that need to be overcome.

repeated failures

Focuses specifically on the unsuccessful outcomes.

many complications

Emphasizes the complexity introduced by the issues.

various impediments

More formal alternative emphasizing hindrances.

a series of misfortunes

Highlights the unfortunate nature of the events.

a chain of adverse events

Formal alternative highlighting the negative sequence of incidents.

waves of adversity

Emphasizes the challenging and difficult situations encountered

FAQs

How can I use "multiple setbacks" in a sentence?

You can use "multiple setbacks" to describe situations where repeated difficulties or obstacles have occurred. For example, "Despite facing multiple setbacks, the team persevered".

What are some alternatives to "multiple setbacks"?

Alternatives include "repeated failures", "numerous obstacles", or "frequent difficulties", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "multiple setbacks" or "many setbacks"?

"Multiple setbacks" and "many setbacks" are largely interchangeable, but "multiple" often suggests a more distinct and countable series of obstacles, while "many" implies a less defined quantity.

What distinguishes "multiple setbacks" from a single major setback?

"Multiple setbacks" indicates a series of distinct obstacles, while a single major setback refers to one significant event that hinders progress. The phrase "multiple setbacks" implies a pattern of recurring difficulties.