short-term setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "short-term setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a temporary difficulty or obstacle that may hinder progress but is not expected to have a long-lasting impact. Example: "Despite the short-term setback in sales, the company remains optimistic about its long-term growth strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

He characterized that loss as a short-term setback.

The Guardian

The Mets will view yesterday's loss as a short-term setback and a long-term accomplishment because of Martínez's performance.

The New York Times - Sports

Failure now would be more than a short-term setback for gun control; it would also mean wasting the best opportunity its supporters have to keep from losing the debate altogether.

The New Yorker

Shutting down the international development agency in Russia may deal little more than a short-term setback, at least for the groups that have become political foes of the Kremlin; many of them have other sources of financing.

The New York Times

Bonifaz made it clear that a loss should n occur, would only be a short-term setback, "if we lose this, we wont be deterred,' he said We're in this for the long haul".

The New Yorker

Bonifaz made it clear that a loss should n occur, would only be a short-term setback, "if we lose this, we wont be deterred,' he said We're in this for the long haul" View Article By Jelani Cobb By David Remnick By Jia Tolentino By Jia Tolentino By Joan Acocella By Jelani Cobb By David Remnick By Jia Tolentino By Jia Tolentino.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

He was not unduly preoccupied with short-term setbacks and gains.

The New Yorker

THROUGHOUT the 1980s and '90s, investors took comfort in knowing that short-term setbacks were just that: short.

The New York Times

High levels of debt leave companies equally vulnerable in both cases, but society doesn't benefit if companies with long-term prospects cannot survive short-term setbacks.

The New York Times

In an interview last week, Mr. Walker appeared confident about J. P. Morgan Chase's long-term prospects and frank about its short-term setbacks.

The New York Times

"You have to be able to withstand short-term setbacks," said one official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the delicacy of the matter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "short-term setback" to acknowledge a temporary issue without overstating its impact. It's useful for maintaining a balanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "short-term setback" when the issue has significant long-term consequences. Choose a phrase that reflects the true severity of the situation to prevent misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "short-term setback" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an event or situation that temporarily hinders progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used in English to denote a temporary obstacle.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "short-term setback" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a temporary obstacle or delay. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in English. It is most frequently found in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When using this phrase, consider whether the issue truly is temporary and avoid overstating its impact. Alternatives such as "temporary difficulty" or "minor delay" can be used to provide different nuances. Overall, "short-term setback" is a valuable tool for acknowledging and contextualizing temporary challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

temporary difficulty

Focuses on the aspect of a problem being temporary, similar to a setback but emphasizes the problematic nature.

minor delay

Highlights the temporal aspect, suggesting a slight postponement rather than a complete halt.

brief hiccup

Implies a small, unexpected interruption, often with a sense of triviality.

passing obstacle

Emphasizes the impermanence of the impediment, suggesting it will soon be overcome.

momentary challenge

Highlights the demanding aspect of the situation, but only for a limited time.

transient difficulty

Similar to "temporary difficulty" but sounds more formal and emphasizes the fleeting nature of the problem.

fleeting impediment

Stresses the short duration of the obstacle, implying it won't last long.

short-lived adversity

Highlights the negative or challenging nature of the experience, but only for a short time.

temporary hurdle

Uses the metaphor of a hurdle to represent an obstacle, emphasizing the need to overcome it quickly.

small reverse

Indicates a slight backward movement or setback in progress, emphasizing the direction.

FAQs

How can "short-term setback" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "short-term setback" is used to describe a temporary delay or obstacle. For example, "The company viewed the production delay as a "short-term setback", not a sign of long-term problems".

What are some alternatives to "short-term setback"?

Alternatives include "temporary difficulty", "minor delay", or "brief hiccup". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "short-term setback" in a formal business context?

Yes, "short-term setback" is suitable for formal business contexts when accurately describing a temporary issue. It's professional and clearly communicates the situation without exaggeration. It may be better than more colloquial options like "hiccup".

What is the difference between a "short-term setback" and a "long-term challenge"?

A "short-term setback" implies a temporary and recoverable issue, while a "long-term challenge" suggests a more significant and enduring problem. The key difference lies in the expected duration and impact of the issue.