suffer setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suffer setback" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to experience a failure or obstacle that sets back progress or plans. It can be used in various contexts, such as in personal situations or in describing a company's performance. Example: After months of hard work and training, the team suffered a major setback when their star player got injured before the championship game. Example: The company suffered a significant setback when their main supplier suddenly went bankrupt, causing delays in production and loss of profits.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Some will make the transition easily while others will suffer setback after setback.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

There are many reasons why societies advancing fitfully towards democracy can suffer setbacks.

The Economist

But autocracies suffer setbacks too, and usually for one overwhelming reason.

The Economist

His characters work menial jobs, dream big dreams, suffer setbacks and find inspiration in the Lord.

The Guardian - Music

We will all suffer setbacks.

Forbes

This was the performance of a developing team, one that will suffer setbacks along the way.

BBC

Despite our best efforts, we get sick and we suffer setbacks.

Huffington Post

Don't quit, even if you suffer setbacks or relapses.

WikiHow

Efforts to harness the immune system to fight cancer have suffered setback after setback.

The New York Times - Health

Both have suffered setbacks.

The New York Times - Health

They suffered setbacks and disappointments.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "suffer setback", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being negatively affected and the nature of the impediment. Specify if the setback is temporary or has long-term implications.

Common error

Avoid using "suffer setback" excessively in passive constructions. Instead of "The project suffered a setback", consider "Delays caused the project to suffer a setback" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suffer setback" functions as a verb phrase indicating the experience of a negative event that impedes progress. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is used to express that someone or something has encountered an obstacle leading to a delay or regression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

4%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "suffer setback" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe experiencing a reverse in progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being negatively affected and the nature of the impediment. While acceptable in both formal and informal settings, being mindful of overusing passive voice can enhance clarity and impact. Alternatives like "experience a reversal" or "encounter a hindrance" can offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. Remember to specify if the "setback" is temporary or has long-term implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experience a reversal

Focuses on the change in direction or fortune, implying a return to a less favorable state.

be dealt a blow

Implies a sudden and impactful negative event.

encounter a hindrance

Highlights the obstacle or impediment that causes the delay or problem.

stumble upon an obstacle

Highlights the unexpected nature of the problem encountered.

face a difficulty

Emphasizes the challenge or problem that must be overcome.

run into trouble

Suggests the emergence of problems or difficulties.

meet with adversity

Suggests a confrontation with unfavorable conditions or misfortune.

be thwarted

Focuses on the prevention of progress or achievement due to opposition.

undergo a decline

Points to a decrease in quality, performance, or status.

fall behind schedule

Indicates a failure to maintain the planned timeline.

FAQs

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

You can use "suffer setback" to describe experiencing a reverse in progress or plans. For example: "The company "suffered a setback" due to unexpected production delays".

What are some alternatives to "suffer setback"?

Alternatives include phrases like "experience a reversal", "encounter a hindrance", or "face a difficulty", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While grammatically understandable, "suffered a setback" is more common and concise. "Suffered from a setback" can sound slightly redundant, as the suffering is inherent in the concept of a setback.

What's the difference between "setback" and "reversal"?

A "setback" implies a temporary delay or impediment to progress, while a "reversal" suggests a complete change in direction or fortune, often back to a previous state.