sudden setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sudden setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected obstacle or difficulty that arises, often disrupting progress or plans. Example: "After months of hard work, the team faced a sudden setback when the main supplier went out of business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

His ouster is a sudden setback, especially since he was unanimously elected a year ago.

The New York Times

But the sudden setback has come as a shock, to company executives and to investors (Corning shares have plunged to $14.54 today from more than $113 last September).

The New York Times

The sudden setback ended a week in Brisbane that had been going exceptionally well for Williams, including jovial discussions of Ivan Lendl costumes at '80s-themed parties and her disappointment at herself for failing to train her aging dogs.

The New York Times

As everyday life seems to suggest, it is not the case that every form of injustice or violation of expectations brought on by a sudden setback produces support for collective action.

Britannica

It is a sudden setback for the Bristol-based animators, who have hitherto led a charmed existence with the huge success of the likes of Wallace and Gromit and last year's Chicken Run.

The Guardian - Film

(The film derives much suspense from a suspicious-looking spot on the director's rib). At one point, discussing a sudden setback in his progress, he is seen near the Central Park statue of Lewis Carroll's Alice, a reference the film makes instantly understandable.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

He is one of a small number of people who have chosen to describe publicly how difficult it is to manage such a severe dual diagnosis, including the sudden setbacks that often come with it.

The New York Times - Health

We cannot know yet the exact nature of his indisposition; his sudden departure suggests a serious setback.

The Guardian - Sport

In fact, this summer, Interorbital was no longer actively planning for an X Prize attempt — although a Rutan setback, and the sudden appearance of a wealthy investor, could bring the Millirons back in.

The New Yorker

His sudden disappearance was a huge setback for the court, which is trying those suspected of atrocities in Sierra Leone's decade-long civil war, and a major embarrassment for the Nigerian president, Olusegun Obasanjo, just as he left for the United States to meet with President Bush.

The New York Times

But then all of a sudden the family suffers another setback.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sudden setback" to clearly and concisely describe an unexpected obstacle that disrupts progress. It effectively conveys both the surprise and the negative impact of the event.

Common error

Avoid using "sudden setback" in very casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "unexpected problem" or "hiccup" might be more appropriate in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sudden setback" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an unexpected and often negative event that impedes progress. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sudden setback" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes an unexpected obstacle or difficulty. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with neutral register. While not a very common phrase, it effectively conveys both the surprise and negative impact of an unforeseen event. For more casual situations, alternatives like "unexpected hitch" or "abrupt reversal" might be more appropriate. Remember to use "sudden setback" to clearly and concisely describe unexpected obstacles that disrupt progress in professional and formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unexpected difficulty

This is a more general term for an unforeseen problem.

abrupt reversal

This phrase emphasizes the sudden and complete change in direction.

unforeseen obstacle

This highlights the unexpected nature of the difficulty.

unexpected hitch

This alternative uses more informal language compared to the original phrase.

unexpected turn of events

This is a general term for an unforeseen change in a situation.

sudden downturn

This phrase is more appropriate when referring to a decline in a trend or situation.

abrupt impediment

This alternative suggests a sudden hindrance or obstruction.

unforeseen snag

This suggests a minor, unexpected problem.

sudden reversal of fortune

This phrase implies a change from good luck to bad luck.

abrupt change of plans

This alternative highlights the disruption to planned activities.

FAQs

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

"Sudden setback" can be used to describe an unexpected obstacle or difficulty that arises, often disrupting progress or plans. For example: "After months of hard work, the team faced a sudden setback when the main supplier went out of business."

What are some alternatives to "sudden setback"?

You can use alternatives like "unexpected hitch", "abrupt reversal", or "unforeseen obstacle" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "sudden setback" and "unexpected setback"?

While both phrases are similar, "sudden setback" emphasizes the immediacy and abruptness of the obstacle, whereas "unexpected setback" simply highlights that it was not anticipated.

When is it appropriate to use "sudden setback" in writing?

"Sudden setback" is suitable for formal and semi-formal writing contexts where you need to describe an unexpected and disruptive obstacle concisely and professionally. It's commonly used in news reports, business reports, and academic papers.