temporary setback

USAGE SUMMARY

"temporary setback" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a temporary failure or obstacle that hinders progress. For example, you might say, "After a temporary setback, the team was able to regroup and find success again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a temporary setback.

The New York Times - Sports

World War II was a temporary setback.

The New York Times - Arts

This comeback, though, suffered a temporary setback.

The New York Times - Sports

I see the current controversies as a temporary setback.

University of California, Berkeley

FilmOn said the ruling was "just a temporary setback".

The New York Times

That effort has suffered at least a temporary setback.

The New York Times

A single defeat was seen as a temporary setback.

The New York Times

In turned out to be only a temporary setback.

The New Yorker

"I do hope that it's a very temporary setback".

The New York Times

"This is just a temporary setback," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

But the visa denial was just a temporary setback.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “temporary setback” to reframe challenges in a more positive light. This can help maintain morale and focus on future success.

Common error

Avoid using "temporary setback" when the problem is clearly significant or long-lasting. This can undermine credibility and misrepresent the actual situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "temporary setback" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, typically describing a situation where progress is temporarily hindered. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its broad applicability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "temporary setback" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression that helps frame challenges in a positive and manageable way. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is primarily employed in News & Media contexts and also frequently appears in academic and formal business settings. Remember to use it accurately, ensuring the situation is indeed temporary and not overly significant. Alternatives like "short-term obstacle" or "minor difficulty" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Always ensure that the context supports the claim that the problem is transient to maintain credibility and avoid misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short-term obstacle

Focuses on the obstacle aspect, emphasizing its limited duration.

minor difficulty

Highlights the lightness of the problem and its manageability.

passing impediment

Emphasizes the fleeting nature of the hindrance.

brief delay

Underscores the temporal aspect of the interruption.

momentary hitch

Suggests a small and easily resolved problem.

transient issue

Highlights the non-permanent nature of the matter.

fleeting difficulty

Emphasizes the short-lived nature of the challenge.

small hiccup

Uses an informal term for a minor and temporary disruption.

short-lived problem

Focuses on the problem and its brief duration.

bump in the road

A metaphorical description of a small and easily overcome obstacle.

FAQs

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

You can use "temporary setback" to describe a short-term obstacle in progress. For example, "The project experienced a "temporary setback" due to unforeseen circumstances, but it is expected to recover soon."

What's the difference between "temporary setback" and "permanent failure"?

"Temporary setback" implies that the issue is short-lived and the project or goal can still be achieved. "Permanent failure", on the other hand, suggests that the goal is no longer attainable and cannot be recovered from.

What are some alternative ways to say "temporary setback"?

Some alternatives include "short-term obstacle", "minor difficulty", or "brief delay". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "temporary setback" in formal writing?

Yes, "temporary setback" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a neutral and professional way to describe a short-term problem. Using specific alternatives like "minor difficulty" or "brief delay" may also be suitable depending on the audience and context.