repeated setbacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "repeated setbacks" 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 the repeated setbacks in the project, the team remained determined to find a solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Yet there are repeated setbacks.

The Economist

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

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

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Since the creation of Israel in 1948, followed by repeated military setbacks, Arabs have felt a certain humiliation in their own neighborhood.

The New York Times

DiPietro, 30, taken first over all by the Islanders in the 2000 N.H.L. draft out of Boston University, has had repeated injury setbacks.

The New York Times

Alou, who is 41 and has suffered from repeated physical setbacks in his two seasons with the Mets, said he hoped to keep his muscles hydrated and "not pull anything for the rest of the year".

The New York Times - Sports

After more than three years of litigation, repeated courtroom setbacks and failed settlement talks, Microsoft is apparently on the verge of emerging largely successful from its long antitrust battle.

The New York Times

And in the wake of repeated American setbacks in international play over the past decade and with the awakening sense that the best international players have become more clever and skillful than many American players, the mimicry becomes almost necessary.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms such as "recurring obstacles" or "persistent difficulties" for variety, especially if the phrase appears multiple times in a single piece of writing.

Common error

Avoid using "repeated setbacks" excessively in close proximity. Overuse can make your writing sound monotonous. Mix it up with synonyms and varied sentence structures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "repeated setbacks" functions as a noun phrase that describes multiple instances where progress has been hindered or reversed. It is used to highlight a pattern of failures or difficulties experienced over time. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "repeated setbacks" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe recurring difficulties or failures. According to Ludwig AI, it's deemed correct and appears often in news and media, academic writing, and encyclopedic content. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being affected by these setbacks, and consider diversifying your language with synonyms like "recurring obstacles" or "persistent difficulties" to avoid redundancy. Remember, While "repeated setbacks" itself is a neutral term, the context can suggest the register (formal vs informal)."

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Recurring Obstacles

Emphasizes the recurrent nature of the obstacles faced.

Frequent Reversals

Highlights the repeated nature of changes to an opposite direction.

Persistent Difficulties

Focuses on the ongoing and unwavering nature of the difficulties.

Continued Challenges

Stresses the continuation of demanding situations or tasks.

Ongoing Problems

Underscores that the problems are not resolved and are still present.

Successive Failures

Highlights the sequence of unsuccessful outcomes.

Enduring Hardships

Focuses on the ability to withstand difficult conditions over time.

Consistent Impediments

Emphasizes the steady and unchanging nature of the hindrances.

Regular Complications

Highlights the habitual nature of the complicating factors.

Chronic Frustrations

Indicates long-lasting and persistent feelings of dissatisfaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "repeated setbacks" to describe situations where progress is hindered by multiple failures or obstacles. For example, "Despite the "repeated setbacks", the team remained determined to complete the project."

What are some alternatives to "repeated setbacks"?

Alternatives include phrases like "recurring obstacles", "persistent difficulties", or "continued challenges", which convey similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to use "repeated setbacks"?

Yes, "repeated setbacks" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe multiple instances of failure or hindrance.

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

"Repeated setbacks" indicate multiple instances of failure or hindrance, while "single setback" refers to one isolated event that delays or prevents progress.