undergo a setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undergo a setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone or something experiences a failure or obstacle that hinders progress. Example: "Despite their best efforts, the team had to undergo a setback when the project deadline was pushed back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, with the rapid incursion of synthetic dyes, natural dyes undergo a setback.

Fashion and Textiles

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

So far, this one has yet to undergo such a setback, though there have been three different pullbacks of at least 5percentt.

The New York Times

Opponents of coal seam gas in New South Wales have had a setback, as a court ruled Santos's CSG wastewater treatment plant near the Pilliga state forest did not need to undergo a full environmental impact statement.

The Guardian

All patients underwent BSSO setback by the Obwegeser method.

International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Eggensperger et al. [6] reported PAS changes in 12 patients who underwent mandibular setback by SSRO with 12 years follow-up analysis of lateral cephalography.

Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Thirty Korean subjects with skeletal class III malocclusion who had undergone mandibular setback by sagittal split ramus osteotomy had computed tomographs taken.

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology

Study Design: Thirty consecutive patients who had undergone surgical setback of the mandible by means of bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomies were studied.

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology

In another study, on Korean subjects who had undergone mandibular setback surgery by SSRO, skeletal stability was evaluated by Ghang et al. [ 29] with a lateral cephalogram and three-dimensional CBCT.

BioMed Research International

He underwent an MRI.

Los Angeles Times

That's concerning when considering he underwent back surgery in 2015 and suffered a setback in his bid to return that summer.

Los Angeles Times

Study Design: Subjects were 10 patients with mandibular prognathism who underwent setback surgery.

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undergo a setback", ensure that the subject is clearly defined and that the nature of the setback is specified or implied in the context. For example, instead of just saying "the project underwent a setback", specify what kind of setback (e.g., "the project underwent a setback due to budget cuts").

Common error

While "undergo a setback" is grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound overly formal or passive. In less formal writing, consider using more direct and active alternatives like "the project was delayed" or "the team faced challenges".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undergo a setback" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a subject is experiencing a hindrance or a negative event that delays or reverses progress. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

25%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undergo a setback" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the experience of encountering an obstacle or negative event that impedes progress. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, with a neutral to professional register. While versatile, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in very casual settings. When using this phrase, ensure the subject and nature of the setback are clear to maintain effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experience a regression

Focuses on the act of regressing, moving backward from a previous state.

suffer a reversal

Emphasizes a change of fortune or a shift in the opposite direction.

meet with a disappointment

Highlights the feeling of disillusionment resulting from the negative event.

face an obstacle

Highlights the presence of a barrier or impediment to progress.

encounter a hurdle

Similar to 'face an obstacle', but suggests a challenge that must be overcome.

hit a roadblock

Implies a sudden and complete stop to progress.

be stymied

Focuses on being blocked or thwarted in one's efforts.

be thwarted

Similar to 'be stymied', highlighting the prevention of achieving a goal.

decline

Indicates a downward trend or a decrease in quality or condition.

deteriorate

Suggests a worsening of a situation or condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "undergo a setback" to describe a situation where progress is hindered or delayed. For example, "The company's expansion plans "underwent a setback" due to the economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to saying "undergo a setback"?

Alternatives include phrases like "experience a regression", "suffer a reversal", or "face an obstacle". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "undergo a setback" or "experience a setback"?

Both "undergo a setback" and "experience a setback" are grammatically correct and widely accepted. "Undergo" might sound slightly more formal, while "experience" is generally more common in everyday language.

Can "undergo a setback" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "undergo a setback" is versatile enough for both formal and informal settings, although in very casual contexts, simpler phrases like "hit a snag" or "ran into problems" might be more appropriate.