significant postponement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant postponement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a delay that is considerable in duration or impact. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are facing a significant postponement of the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But he adds: "In practice, the political momentum behind the programme is so strong that a further significant postponement does not appear likely".

The Guardian

When he sold his listed investment funds recently, his stake in the bank fell by half, to 5percentt; he then received what appeared to be a significant postponement of the repayment schedule on a loan from a consortium of banks that includes Credit Suisse.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The postponement is significant because the Mox shipment was not destined for the stricken reactors at Fukushima operated by Tokyo Electric, but for the unaffected Hamaoka reactors operated by Chubu Electric, the same company that was supposed to be one of the first customers of the existing Sellafield Mox Plant (SMP).

Independent

Despite the inclusion of 309 221 cases, only in two subgroups was a postponement statistically significant.

BMJ Open

Department officials have told the industry that it hopes to be back up and running in around two months' time with a new subsidy scheme, but the REA said any postponement would cause significant disruption.

The Guardian

The use of this checklist led to a significant decrease in process deviations and procedure postponements.

CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology

Prime Minister Tony Blair of Britain met here today with Bertie Ahern, the Irish prime minister, to discuss the current state of the Northern Ireland peace effort, which has suffered significant setbacks in recent weeks -- including the postponement of legislative elections -- after talks failed to elicit sufficient commitment from the Irish Republican Army to renounce paramilitary activities.

The New York Times

This was the most significant Western arms sale to Russia and its postponement - the exact terms of the suspension of the deal are not clear - marks a very visible rebuff to Moscow on the eve of Nato's Wales Summit.

BBC

Using sensitive bioluminescence imaging we observed a highly significant reduction in the incidence of metastases as well postponement on the presence of detectable metastases in both lung and liver using ADMR silenced cells.

Plosone

Also, starting in the 1960s, significant improvements in education resulted in increased employment and postponement of marriage and childbearing in Hong Kong women [ 24, 25].

Breast Cancer Research

Although both sides put on a brave face and played down the postponement - with the Greek finance minister Yannis Stournaras saying "there has been significant progress in the talks with the troika" - well-briefed sources did not share the same view.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "significant postponement", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being postponed and why it is considered significant. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "significant postponement" when the delay is minor or inconsequential. Overusing the term can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant postponement" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It names the event of delaying something important. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage based on real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "significant postponement" is a grammatically correct and readily understandable way to describe a notable delay, and Ludwig confirms its validity. While categorized as "rare" due to a limited number of examples, it appears in reputable news sources and scientific publications, indicating its appropriateness for formal communication. The term emphasizes both the act of delaying and the importance of what is being delayed. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes the relevance of the postponement to maintain clarity and avoid overstating its significance. Alternatives like "major deferral" or "substantial delay" may offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major deferral

Emphasizes the act of delaying and its importance.

substantial delay

Focuses on the extent and impact of the delay.

notable rescheduling

Highlights the change in schedule and its remarkableness.

considerable adjournment

Implies a formal suspension or pause of some duration.

lengthy deferment

Underscores the duration of the postponement.

extended suspension

Highlights the act of suspending something for a prolonged period.

serious setback

Focuses on the negative impact of the delay.

critical holdup

Emphasizes the importance of what is being held up.

marked retardation

Highlights the slowing down or hindrance caused.

extensive deferral

Focuses on the large scale and impact of the postponement.

FAQs

How can I use "significant postponement" in a sentence?

You can use "significant postponement" to describe the delaying of an event or project, where the delay has important consequences. For example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, there has been a "significant postponement" of the deadline."

What are some alternatives to "significant postponement"?

Alternatives include "major delay", "substantial deferral", or "notable rescheduling", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What makes a postponement "significant"?

A postponement is considered "significant" when it has a noticeable impact on the timeline, budget, resources, or overall goals of a project or event. The consequences of the delay are considerable.

Is it better to say "significant delay" or "significant postponement"?

Both phrases are correct, but "significant postponement" emphasizes the act of intentionally delaying something, while "significant delay" simply refers to the state of being delayed. The best choice depends on the context.