unanticipated setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unanticipated setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected obstacle or difficulty that arises during a process or project. Example: "The team faced an unanticipated setback when the main supplier went out of business, delaying the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Success, especially in new and growing industries, follows many detours and unanticipated setbacks; strategies may have to be altered radically as events unfold.

Harvard Business Review

"There will be lots of unanticipated setbacks before we end up in the clinic, but this work suggests that we will ultimately get there". Jaenisch said the success with iPS cells does not mean that research on human embryonic stem cells can be dropped, as some opponents of the work have asserted.

The Washington Post

Last summer, Rayyan Gorashi '19 had a bucket list-worthy few months, hiking the French Alps, cheering on the Belgium national team in the FIFA World Cup, and problem-solving unanticipated setbacks as a research intern at imec.

Johns Hopkins University

Success often comes at the price of temporary setbacks and unanticipated frustrations.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

The approval setbacks were worsened last month by the unanticipated release of generic versions of Wyeth's Protonix acid-relief medicine.

The New York Times

This was not unanticipated.

The Economist

This led to unanticipated loans.

The New York Times

The announcement was not unanticipated.

The New York Times

These are not unanticipated disagreements.

The Washington Post

Well, no, not wholly unanticipated.

The Guardian - Books

Then unanticipated events took over".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a project's progress, use "unanticipated setback" to acknowledge an unexpected delay or obstacle. It adds a level of professionalism and transparency to your communication.

Common error

Don't equate an "unanticipated setback" with complete failure. A setback is a temporary delay or obstacle, whereas failure suggests a complete lack of success. Framing the situation accurately can help maintain morale and encourage problem-solving.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unanticipated setback" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes an unexpected obstacle or difficulty. It's used to identify a specific type of problem that has arisen unexpectedly.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

33%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unanticipated setback" is a noun phrase used to describe an unexpected obstacle or delay. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While not extremely frequent, it is commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and business communications. Alternative phrases include "unexpected difficulty" or "unforeseen obstacle". When using this phrase, ensure you're accurately portraying a temporary delay rather than a complete failure, and be transparent about the issue when communicating project progress. It is also important to know that the majority of occurrences of this phrase can be found on News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unexpected difficulty

Replaces "setback" with a more general term for a problem, focusing on the difficulty encountered.

unforeseen obstacle

Highlights the obstructive nature of the event, emphasizing that it was not predicted.

surprise impediment

Emphasizes the unexpected hindering nature of the event.

sudden reversal

Focuses on the change in direction or progress that the event caused.

unpredicted complication

Highlights the complex and unplanned nature of the event.

unexpected hitch

A more informal way of saying an unexpected problem or delay.

unforeseen issue

Uses a more neutral term ("issue") to describe the unexpected problem.

surprise stumbling block

Conveys the idea of an unexpected barrier to progress.

unexpected turn of events

Focuses on the overall course or sequence of events being altered unexpectedly.

unanticipated hurdle

Highlights the challenge presented by the unexpected event, framing it as an obstacle to overcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "unanticipated setback" to describe an unexpected obstacle or delay that occurs during a project or process. For example, "The project experienced an "unanticipated setback" when the primary supplier went out of business".

What are some alternatives to saying "unanticipated setback"?

Alternatives to "unanticipated setback" include "unexpected difficulty", "unforeseen obstacle", or "surprise impediment". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "unanticipated setback" a formal or informal phrase?

"Unanticipated setback" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. It is commonly used in business, academic, and news reporting.

What is the difference between a "setback" and a "failure"?

A "setback" is a temporary delay or obstacle, while a "failure" implies a complete lack of success. An "unanticipated setback" does not necessarily lead to failure if addressed properly.