suffered setbacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suffered setbacks" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
Example: Despite their best efforts, the team suffered multiple setbacks throughout the season, ultimately leading to their defeat in the championship game.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both have suffered setbacks.

The New York Times - Health

They suffered setbacks and disappointments.

The New York Times

But Turkey has suffered setbacks elsewhere.

The New York Times

He later suffered setbacks in training.

Independent

Dell has suffered setbacks when it overreached.

The New York Times

He has suffered setbacks in recent days.

The New York Times

But the E.U. has suffered setbacks too.

The New York Times

But the Pentagon's efforts, too, suffered setbacks.

The New York Times

Republicans suffered setbacks in other elections, too.

The Guardian - Opinion

But his cause suffered setbacks in Rhode Island on Tuesday.

The New York Times

Isis has suffered setbacks, but has also had successes.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a project or initiative, use "suffered setbacks" to acknowledge challenges without assigning blame, maintaining a professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "suffered setbacks" in situations that are minor inconveniences. Reserve it for significant impediments to progress or serious challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suffered setbacks" functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone or something has experienced obstacles, reversals, or a lack of progress. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "suffered setbacks" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express that someone or something has experienced challenges or reversals. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. Predominantly found in "News & Media", it maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for diverse writing contexts. While "encountered difficulties" and "faced obstacles" offer similar meanings, "suffered setbacks" effectively conveys a sense of impediment and negative progression. Remember to reserve this phrase for significant challenges, avoiding overuse in trivial situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experienced a reversal

Focuses on the change in fortune or progress, highlighting the negative turn.

encountered difficulties

Emphasizes the challenges faced, rather than the specific failures.

faced obstacles

Highlights the impediments encountered, suggesting a struggle against challenges.

met with adversity

Draws attention to the unfavorable conditions and hardship faced.

hit a roadblock

Emphasizes a specific point of obstruction or standstill in progress.

underwent a decline

Focuses on the deterioration or reduction in quality or success.

were thwarted

Highlights the frustration of plans or ambitions being prevented from succeeding.

were unsuccessful

Simply states the failure to achieve the desired outcome, without specifying the cause.

failed to progress

Focuses on the lack of advancement or forward movement.

had a relapse

Specifically indicates a return to a previous state of decline or failure, particularly after a period of improvement.

FAQs

How can I use "suffered setbacks" in a sentence?

You can use "suffered setbacks" to describe a situation where there have been obstacles or reversals in progress. For example, "The project "suffered setbacks" due to unforeseen circumstances".

What are some alternatives to saying "suffered setbacks"?

You can use alternatives like "encountered difficulties", "faced obstacles", or "experienced a reversal" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "suffered setbacks" or "experienced setbacks"?

Both "suffered setbacks" and "experienced setbacks" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Suffered setbacks" might be slightly more common, but the choice often depends on personal preference and the specific context.

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

A "setback" is a general term for a reversal or obstacle in progress, while a "relapse" specifically refers to a return to a previous state of decline or failure, especially after a period of improvement.