suffering a setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suffering a setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone experiences a temporary failure or obstacle in their progress or plans. Example: "After months of hard work, the team is now suffering a setback due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

With the India economy suffering a setback and the rupee weakening, these Indians are not packing their bags yet.

The New York Times

After suffering a setback, it is natural to feel the burden of embarrassment and retreat into isolation.

Harvard Business Review

In addition, individuals suffering a setback are frequently encouraged to go to a therapist, join a support group, or get involved in volunteering.

University of California, Berkeley

After suffering a setback during the European debt crisis, the Standard & Poor's 500-stock isdex is up 28 percent since August.

The New York Times

There was further bad news for Mourinho with Zlatan Ibrahimovic ruled out for a month after suffering a setback in his recovery from a serious knee injury.

The Guardian - Sport

The four-year-old misses the race at Longchamp on Sunday after suffering a setback, confirmed James Wigan, racing manager to owner Lady Rothschild on Tuesday afternoon.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

" The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Zacinto has been ruled out of the 2,000 Guineas after suffering a slight setback.

The Guardian - Sport

But after suffering a big setback on Monday, the broadcast world may have to learn to live with it.

The New York Times

Smokin Beau, one of the market leaders for the Longchamp sprint before suffering a minor setback, is expected to be in the line-up.

The Guardian - Sport

Some Republicans said that the White House came closer to suffering a big setback than is widely known, and that President Bush must be more forthcoming about the eavesdropping program to retain Congress's good will.

The Washington Post

VIENNA — Hours after suffering a rare setback in a negotiating session at OPEC's headquarters, Saudi Arabian officials assured world markets on Wednesday that they would ignore the wishes of other cartel members and continue to pump plenty of oil.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "suffering a setback", ensure the context clearly indicates what area or aspect is experiencing the regression. Be specific about the nature and impact of the setback to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "suffering a setback" in situations that are minor inconveniences. Reserve it for instances where there is a genuine and significant negative impact on progress or well-being.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suffering a setback" functions as a verb phrase, where "suffering" is a gerund and "a setback" is a noun phrase functioning as the direct object. The phrase describes the action of experiencing a temporary obstruction or regression. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a temporary failure or obstacle in progress.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "suffering a setback" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a temporary obstacle or regression in progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively communicates the experience of encountering difficulties that hinder advancement. Predominantly found in News & Media, it's versatile enough for formal and neutral contexts. Remember to be specific about the area affected and avoid overuse in trivial situations. Alternatives like "experiencing a reversal" or "facing a hurdle" can offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Experiencing a reversal

Highlights the change in direction or fortune, focusing on the negative shift.

Facing a hurdle

Emphasizes the obstacle aspect, suggesting something to overcome.

Encountering difficulties

Broadly indicates problems without specifying the nature of the setback.

Hitting a roadblock

Suggests a complete stop in progress, a more forceful obstruction.

Meeting an obstacle

Highlights the encounter with an impediment.

Undergoing a regression

Focuses on the step back from a previous state.

Experiencing a regression

Focuses on the process of stepping back from a previous state.

Taking a hit

Emphasizes the impact or damage caused by the setback.

Being set back

Highlights that you have been put in a worse position.

Stumbling

Conveys a temporary loss of balance or progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "suffering a setback" to describe a temporary failure or obstacle in progress, for example: "The project is "currently suffering a setback" due to unforeseen circumstances".

What are some alternatives to "suffering a setback"?

Alternatives include "experiencing a reversal", "facing a hurdle", or "encountering difficulties", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "suffering a setback" in formal writing?

Yes, "suffering a setback" is appropriate for formal writing, as it's a clear and professional way to describe a temporary problem or regression. However, consider the tone and choose an alternative if it feels overly dramatic for the context.

What's the difference between "suffering a setback" and "facing a challenge"?

"Suffering a setback" implies a negative impact or regression from a previous state, while "facing a challenge" simply indicates an obstacle to overcome without necessarily implying a previous loss or negative consequence.