personal setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "personal setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an individual experience of failure or difficulty that affects one's personal life or goals. Example: "After facing a personal setback in her career, she decided to take some time off to regroup and refocus on her ambitions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Personal Setback for Gorbachev?

The New York Times

But Mr. Arnett's firing is more than a personal setback.

The New York Times

It is a personal setback for Mike German, the leader and an advocate of coalition politics.

The Guardian

He had suffered another personal setback in his quest to regain last season's form.

The New York Times - Sports

Twain also had a more personal setback, as evidenced by his ad several days later in The Hartford Courant.

The New York Times

He took this as a personal setback, because he had prided himself on his sales ability since his boyhood.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Personal setbacks marked Mr. Moon's later years.

The New York Times

People face adversity and personal setbacks.

Stanford University

He has suffered considerable personal setbacks.

The New York Times

Third, great leaders have often experienced crushing personal setbacks.

The New York Times

Mr. Bernier's political and personal setbacks are directly related.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "personal setback", provide specific details to help the reader understand the context and impact of the event. This adds depth and credibility to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "personal setback" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations that genuinely represent a significant challenge or obstacle in someone's life. /s/Minor+inconveniences are not comparable to substantial life events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "personal setback" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing an adverse event or situation affecting an individual, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "personal setback" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a negative experience affecting an individual's progress or well-being. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly news, academic, and business writing. While versatile, it's best to avoid using it for trivial situations, reserving it for genuinely challenging or impactful events. Consider related phrases like "individual adversity" or "private challenge" for nuanced expression. By using "personal setback" appropriately and understanding its context, you can effectively communicate the impact of challenging experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Setback in life

A more general phrase referring to a negative event that has slowed or stopped progress.

Individual adversity

Highlights the challenging nature of the experience being faced by a person.

Personal stumbling block

Metaphorically describes the setback as an obstacle hindering progress.

Professional disappointment

Focuses specifically on setbacks occurring within a work or career context.

Personal misfortune

Emphasizes the negative or unlucky aspect of the event.

A reverse in fortune

Implies a change from good luck to bad luck.

Adverse experience

A more general term that can encompass a wider range of negative situations.

Temporary failure

Focuses on the impermanence of the setback, implying a chance for recovery.

Private challenge

Highlights the personal and demanding nature of the obstacle.

Emotional difficulty

Emphasizes the emotional impact and toll of the setback.

FAQs

How to use "personal setback" in a sentence?

You can use "personal setback" to describe an event that hinders someone's progress or goals, like: "After a significant personal setback, she decided to re-evaluate her priorities."

What can I say instead of "personal setback"?

You can use alternatives like "individual adversity", "private challenge", or "setback in life" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "personal setback" or "professional setback"?

"Personal setback" refers to difficulties in one's private life, while "professional setback" relates to career-related challenges. The correct term depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "personal setback" and "failure"?

A "personal setback" is a temporary obstacle or difficulty. "Failure" implies a complete lack of success or an inability to achieve a desired outcome.