repeated setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "repeated setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has faced multiple failures or obstacles over time. Example: "Despite their efforts, the team experienced a repeated setback in their project timeline due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet there are repeated setbacks.

The Economist

Others who have had similar procedures — most notably Chien-Ming Wang — have faced repeated setbacks and diminished effectiveness.

The New York Times - Sports

There, despite repeated setbacks and open hostility, Wilde attempted to rebuild himself as a man and a man of letters.

Harvard University

The repeated setbacks were cause for "extraordinary precautions" in the final choreography of the swap, the Administration official told me.

The New Yorker

Mr. Makishi seems to harbor large stores of equanimity, even in the face of repeated setbacks in the theater purchase.

The New York Times - Arts

If the price of such ambition was repeated setbacks, de Rothschild was more than willing to accept that.

The New Yorker

But after months of tortuous negotiations and repeated setbacks, senior bankers and officials remained cautious as the deadline approached.

The New York Times

The repeated setbacks took its toll on the company, which was once known as Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics.

The New York Times - Health

Then she saw Madame Curie, the Greer Garson film about Marie Curie, who had suffered repeated setbacks before discovering radium.

Independent

Unsurprisingly, such a visionary project has met repeated setbacks in the hard, cold world that is arts management today.

The Economist

Barnet unveiled its budget airline-inspired cost-cutting measures last year but has since suffered repeated setbacks from the high court and council-tax ­payers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance your writing, consider providing context or examples after using the phrase "repeated setback" to show the consequences or impact of these recurring issues.

Common error

Avoid using "repeated setback" without providing specific details about the nature or cause of the setbacks. This can weaken the impact of your message. Instead, specify the area or reason behind the recurring issues to strengthen the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "repeated setback" functions as a noun phrase, where 'repeated' acts as an adjective modifying 'setback'. It typically identifies a situation characterized by recurring obstacles or failures. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "repeated setback" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase denoting recurring obstacles or failures. While the phrase is generally suitable for neutral and formal contexts, this JSON structure shows that the phrase is currently missing examples. To enhance clarity and impact, it's best to provide specific details about the nature or cause of these recurring issues. Alternatives like "recurring obstacle" or "frequent failure" can be used to add variety to your writing while conveying a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recurring obstacle

Focuses on the recurring nature of the obstacle, emphasizing the challenge it presents.

frequent failure

Highlights the frequency of failure, underlining the lack of success.

continued difficulty

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the difficulty experienced.

persistent challenge

Stresses the enduring quality of the challenge.

chronic impediment

Suggests a long-lasting and hindering obstacle.

regular frustration

Focuses on the repeated feeling of frustration due to obstacles.

consistent impediment

Highlights the unchanging nature of the impediment.

habitual failing

Indicates a pattern of failure that has become customary.

successive obstacle

Emphasizes the order of obstacles encountered one after another.

ongoing adversity

Highlights the continuing presence of unfavorable circumstances.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "repeated setback" in a sentence?

To use "repeated setback" effectively, clearly define the context and the subject experiencing the recurring issues. For example, "The project faced "repeated setbacks" due to funding issues" provides context and clarity.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "repeated setback"?

You can use alternatives such as "recurring obstacle", "frequent failure", or "continued difficulty" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. These phrases provide similar meanings while offering variety in your writing.

Is it grammatically correct to say "repeated setback"?

Yes, "repeated setback" is grammatically correct. The word 'repeated' appropriately modifies the noun 'setback' to indicate recurring issues or obstacles.

What is the difference between "repeated setback" and a single setback?

A "repeated setback" implies multiple instances of failure or difficulty, whereas a single setback refers to only one occurrence. The phrase "repeated setback" indicates a pattern or trend of recurring problems.