setbacks in life

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "setbacks in life" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing challenges or difficulties that one may encounter throughout their life. Example: "Despite the setbacks in life, she remained determined to achieve her goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Many of the girls use the camera to explore setbacks in life and tough back-stories.

The New York Times - Arts

It taught us not to be deterred by setbacks in life.

Independent

"I have showed that whatever the setbacks in life you can do it.

The Guardian - Sport

For me there are no setbacks in life, just opportunities to learn something new.

The Guardian

That's tough to see, but if a person has had some setbacks in life and has powered through them, that's a very good sign.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

One woman told me, "The thing is I could not, in good conscience, from the get-go, know that my child has these setbacks in life".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Abby Stevenson (Alternate Officer): You, like Stacey, may have some kind of major setback in life.

Huffington Post

I find it unhealthy to spiritualize even the most minor of setback in life.

Los Angeles Times

You might have some kind of setback in life, but despite this, you maintain a positive attitude.

Huffington Post

If you look at your children and are annoyed with their response to a setback in life, before punishing them, look at yourself and see if they learned this from you.

Huffington Post

In Butembo, for example, respondents mentioned that erisire may follow a major setback in life, such as the loss of a beloved family member or rejection by someone they love.

Conflict and Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing coping mechanisms, emphasize strategies for dealing with "setbacks in life" to provide practical advice and support.

Common error

Avoid using "setbacks in life" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations that have a significant impact on a person's well-being or progress. For smaller issues, use "minor inconveniences" or "small challenges" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "setbacks in life" functions as a noun phrase, specifically representing challenging or adverse events experienced during one's lifetime. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct. Its role is often to introduce discussions about resilience, personal growth, or coping mechanisms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "setbacks in life" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe difficulties or challenges encountered during one's lifetime. As verified by Ludwig, the expression is appropriate for a variety of contexts, including news, academic discussions, and general reflections on personal experiences. While versatile, it is best reserved for significant challenges rather than minor inconveniences. Remember to focus on the resilience and learning opportunities that often arise from "setbacks in life" for a more impactful and positive message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

life's difficulties

A broad term for challenging aspects of existence.

life's adversities

Focuses on the challenging aspects of life in general.

difficult life experiences

Highlights the challenging events one goes through.

challenges in one's journey

Emphasizes personal growth and obstacles along the way.

hardships encountered in life

Stresses the difficulties and struggles faced.

obstacles in the path of life

Emphasizes barriers and obstructions that impede progress.

life's trials and tribulations

Highlights suffering and hardship.

unfortunate experiences in life

Highlights negative events and circumstances.

negative events in one's lifetime

Focuses on the occurrence of undesirable incidents.

tough times

A more concise and informal way to refer to difficult periods.

FAQs

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

You can use "setbacks in life" to discuss challenges or difficulties that someone encounters. For example, "Despite the setbacks in life, she remained determined to achieve her goals."

What are some alternatives to "setbacks in life"?

Alternatives include "life's difficulties", "challenges in life", or "adversities in life", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "setbacks in life" or "challenges in life"?

Both phrases are correct, but "setbacks in life" emphasizes temporary impediments or reversals, while "challenges in life" refers to difficulties that require effort to overcome. The best choice depends on the specific situation you're describing.

What's the difference between "setbacks in life" and "failures in life"?

"Setbacks in life" refer to temporary delays or obstacles, while "failures in life" imply a lack of success or a complete defeat. Setbacks are often seen as opportunities for growth, while failures may have more lasting consequences.