trial setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trial setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a temporary failure or obstacle encountered during a testing or experimental phase. Example: "The team faced a significant trial setback when the initial results did not meet their expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

AstraZeneca dripped 9.5p to £32.41 as it suffered another drug trial setback.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

ZURICH (Reuters) -- Roche Holding, the Swiss pharmaceutical giant, said Friday that its cancer drug Avastin did not help men with late-stage prostate cancer live longer in a clinical trial, another setback as the company tries to extend use of the blockbuster drug into new areas.

The New York Times

Roche Holding, the Swiss pharmaceutical company, said on Friday that its cancer drug Avastin did not help men with late-stage prostate cancer live longer in a clinical trial, another setback as the company tries to extend use of the blockbuster drug into new areas.

The New York Times

He was courageous, determined and stubborn in his fight to keep going through the trials and setbacks of operations and illness".

BBC

But the majority verdicts by the 15-person jury, which followed a two-week trial, is another setback for the climate movement, coming soon after the failure of the Copenhagen climate summit to reach a definitive decision on cutting emissions.

The Guardian

A vaccine meant to help people quit smoking has failed to work in a large, late-stage clinical trial, dealing a setback to efforts to harness the immune system to help people fight addictions.

The New York Times

Today's unexpected decision to hold two trials is a setback for the chief prosecutor, Carla Del Ponte, who had insisted publicly that she wanted one trial for all three indictments she has issued against Mr. Milosevic.

The New York Times

What might become the first drug derived from human stem cells failed in two late-stage clinical trials, dealing a setback to the drug's developer and to the stem cell field.

The New York Times

A much-heralded H.I.V. vaccine has failed to work in a large clinical trial, dealing another serious setback to efforts to stop the AIDS epidemic.

The New York Times

But the same month TR4 emerged in the Tully Valley, the NT trial suffered a serious setback amid the outbreak of another disease, banana freckle.

The Guardian

The failure to bring the ex-nuncio to trial marks a significant setback in Francis's efforts to tackle sexual abuse within the Catholic church.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a "trial setback", be specific about the type of trial (e.g., clinical, legal, experimental) and the nature of the setback. This adds clarity and context to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "trial setback" as a vague term for any difficulty. Instead, clearly define the specific context and impact of the setback to maintain precision in your communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trial setback" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes an adverse event or impediment in the context of a trial or experiment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase accurately describes a temporary failure during testing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trial setback" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase, typically functioning as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase accurately describes a temporary failure during testing. It is most frequently used in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While it is not extremely common, it serves the purpose of reporting negative developments clearly and directly. When using the phrase, ensure you provide specific details about the type of trial and the nature of the setback for maximum clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clinical trial failure

Focuses specifically on the failure of a clinical trial, which is a subset of trials in general.

research setback

Broader term encompassing any setback in research, not limited to trials.

experimental failure

Highlights the failure aspect of an experiment, rather than a delay or hindrance.

testing impediment

Emphasizes the hindering aspect of the problem encountered during testing.

developmental hurdle

Suggests a challenge or obstacle in a developmental process, applicable beyond just trials.

major obstacle

General term for a significant challenge, less specific to trials.

unexpected difficulty

Highlights the surprise element of the problem encountered.

roadblock in testing

Uses a metaphor to describe an obstacle during testing.

hitch in the trial

Informal term for a minor problem or setback.

reverse in progress

Focuses on the backward movement or regression caused by the setback.

FAQs

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

You can use "trial setback" to describe a delay, problem, or failure that occurs during a trial or experiment. For example, "The company experienced a major "trial setback" when the drug failed to show efficacy in phase II trials."

What are some alternative phrases for "trial setback"?

Alternatives include phrases like "clinical trial failure", "research setback", or "experimental failure", depending on the context.

Is "trial setback" formal or informal?

"Trial setback" is generally considered a neutral to formal term, suitable for professional, news, and academic contexts.

What causes are examples of a "trial setback"?

A "trial setback" can occur due to various reasons, such as unexpected results, safety concerns, regulatory hurdles, or funding issues.