serious setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant obstacle or difficulty that hinders progress or success in a particular situation. Example: "The project faced a serious setback when the main supplier went out of business unexpectedly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Losing glyphosate would be a serious setback.

The New York Times

There he faced his first serious setback.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it is a serious setback for judicial campaign reform.

The New York Times

The coup was a serious setback for democracy in Africa.

The New York Times

Glenrothes was a serious setback for the SNP.

The Guardian

"I don't consider this a serious setback," Mr. Neal said.

The New York Times

But last year Westhoff experienced a serious setback.

The New York Times - Sports

And yet we have had this serious setback".

The New York Times - Science

"But what has happened now is a serious setback".

The New York Times

I would submit that it is not a serious setback.

The Guardian - Opinion

Last year, The Post had a potentially serious setback.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serious setback", clearly identify the affected area or goal to provide context. For example, "The budget cuts were a serious setback for the research program."

Common error

Avoid using "serious setback" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where progress is significantly hampered or long-term goals are jeopardized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious setback" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "serious" modifies the noun "setback". According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used to describe a significant impediment or reversal. It is commonly used to express the negative impact on progress or achievement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

13%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious setback" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a significant impediment or reversal in progress. According to Ludwig, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. Alternatives like "major impediment" or "significant reversal" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using "serious setback", ensure you provide context to clarify what is being affected. Avoid using it for minor issues to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major impediment

Replaces "setback" with "impediment", emphasizing the hindering aspect.

significant reversal

Highlights the backward step or change in direction.

grave difficulty

Emphasizes the severity of the problem or challenge.

severe obstacle

Focuses on the obstruction and its intensity.

major stumbling block

Suggests something that prevents progress.

substantial downturn

Highlights the negative turn in events or performance.

critical failure

Emphasizes the element of failure and its importance.

significant complication

Focuses on the added difficulty and complexity.

notable regression

Highlights a return to a previous, less developed state.

considerable disadvantage

Emphasizes the unfavorable position resulting from the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "serious setback" to describe a significant obstacle or difficulty that hinders progress or success. For example, "The project faced a "serious setback" when the main supplier went out of business unexpectedly."

What are some alternatives to "serious setback"?

Alternatives include "major impediment", "significant reversal", or "grave difficulty" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "serious setback"?

Use "serious setback" when describing a situation that significantly hinders progress or negatively impacts goals. It's suitable when the issue is more than a minor inconvenience.

Is "serious setback" formal or informal?

"Serious setback" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation being described.