significant setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a major obstacle or difficulty that hinders progress in a situation or project. Example: "The unexpected loss of funding resulted in a significant setback for the research team, delaying their project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is a significant setback.

The New York Times

Is this a significant setback for Bitcoin?

Harvard Business Review

This did feel like significant setback.

The Guardian

It would also be a significant setback for Isis.

The Guardian

Losing the deal would be a significant setback for EMI.

The New York Times

The ruling today represents a significant setback to that strategy.

The New York Times

If it's true, it's a significant setback to them".

The New Yorker

The announcement follows another significant setback for the field.

MIT Technology Review

But yesterday's acquittal appeared to be a significant setback.

Independent

The loss of Smith is a significant setback.

The New York Times

Legal experts said the Justice Department's brief was a significant setback for Verizon.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "significant setback", ensure the context clearly establishes what progress or plan is being hindered. Provide specifics to illustrate the magnitude and implications of the setback.

Common error

Avoid using "significant setback" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where the obstacle genuinely jeopardizes important goals or timelines, or causes a considerable shift in strategy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant setback" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. As per Ludwig AI analysis, it serves to identify a notable impediment or reversal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "significant setback" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression for describing a notable obstacle or reversal. Ludwig AI confirms its suitability across varied writing contexts. It's most frequently found in News & Media, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and professional communications. Remember to reserve it for situations where the hindrance genuinely impacts goals or timelines. Alternatives include "major impediment" or "serious stumbling block", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major impediment

Indicates a considerable obstacle, focusing on the hindering aspect rather than the element of regression.

serious stumbling block

Emphasizes the obstructive nature of the issue, suggesting a challenge to forward movement.

substantial reversal

Highlights the element of regression or change in direction, rather than the obstacle itself.

considerable difficulty

Focuses on the challenging aspect of the situation, lacking the implication of regression.

marked regression

Stresses the aspect of moving backwards, potentially overlooking the implications of the obstacle.

notable downturn

Implies a decline or negative trend, rather than a specific obstacle.

key obstacle

Highlights a hurdle or challenge, with less emphasis on the element of regression.

material disadvantage

Emphasizes the detrimental effect or disadvantage created by the situation.

critical failure

Implies a breakdown or unsuccessful outcome, often more severe than a setback.

major blow

Suggests a sudden and impactful negative event, with an emotional nuance.

FAQs

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

You can use "significant setback" to describe a situation where progress has been considerably delayed or hindered. For example, "The project experienced a "significant setback" due to unexpected budget cuts".

What are some alternatives to "significant setback"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "major impediment", "serious stumbling block", or "substantial reversal".

Is it appropriate to use "significant setback" in formal writing?

Yes, "significant setback" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in contexts such as reports, analyses, or academic papers, where a serious impediment needs to be described objectively.

What differentiates "significant setback" from "minor delay"?

"Significant setback" implies a more substantial impediment with considerable impact. A "minor delay" suggests a brief pause or slight hindrance that does not fundamentally alter the course or outcome.