suffer a setback

USAGE SUMMARY

'suffer a setback' is a correct phrase in written English and can be used in a variety of contexts.
For example: "After her presentation, she was disappointed to suffer a setback when none of the investors expressed interest in her business plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

And then hope Griffin doesn't suffer a setback.

The Guardian - Sport

IF that's the case, many market strategists think that the market could suffer a setback.

The New York Times

"Every time something happens, we suffer a setback," Mr. McCarthy said Friday.

The New York Times

It was time for the Bartlet administration to suffer a setback.

The New York Times - Arts

But there is a risk, small but nagging, that the recent spate of progress will suffer a setback.

The Economist

But Tuesday was an important step in his recovery, as long as he does not suffer a setback on Wednesday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

The Netherlands, too, suffered a setback.

The Economist

Tsimerman soon suffered a setback.

The Guardian

Then in 2003, she suffered a setback.

The New York Times

On Monday the proposal suffered a setback.

The New York Times

In 1990, however, Charest's career suffered a setback.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "suffer a setback", be specific about the area affected and the impact of the setback. Providing context enhances clarity and understanding.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "suffered a setback" without explaining the reasons or consequences. This can leave the reader confused and without a clear understanding of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suffer a setback" functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone or something has experienced a negative event that has hindered progress. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "suffer a setback" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a temporary reversal or hindrance in progress. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media, but also in scientific and business writing. The phrase serves to inform about impediments and is suitable for neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure to provide adequate context to clarify the nature and impact of the setback.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experience a reverse

Replaces 'setback' with 'reverse', emphasizing a change in direction or fortune.

meet with a disappointment

Substitutes 'suffer' with 'meet with' and 'setback' with 'disappointment', highlighting the emotional impact.

encounter an impediment

Replaces 'suffer a setback' with 'encounter an impediment', indicating a hindrance or obstacle.

face a difficulty

This emphasizes the confrontation with a problem rather than just experiencing a negative outcome.

run into a problem

Uses more informal language, suggesting an unexpected obstacle has appeared.

hit a stumbling block

Replaces 'setback' with a more vivid metaphor of a 'stumbling block', suggesting something that causes one to falter.

be thwarted

Emphasizes being stopped or prevented from achieving something, which is a result of a setback.

fall behind schedule

Focuses specifically on time-related setbacks, suggesting delays or tardiness.

fail to progress

This indicates a lack of forward movement without specifying the cause as explicitly negative.

lose ground

Uses a spatial metaphor to describe the loss of advantage or progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "suffer a setback" to describe a temporary obstruction or reversal in progress. For example, "The project suffered a setback due to unexpected budget cuts".

What can I say instead of "suffer a setback"?

You can use alternatives like "experience a reverse", "meet with a disappointment", or "encounter an impediment" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "suffered by a setback"?

No, the correct phrasing is "suffer a setback". The preposition "by" is not needed and changes the meaning.

What's the difference between "suffer a setback" and "encounter a failure"?

"Suffer a setback" implies a temporary delay or reversal, while "encounter a failure" suggests a complete lack of success or a permanent end to progress.