unexpected setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unexpected setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unforeseen obstacle or difficulty that hinders progress in a situation or project. Example: "The team faced an unexpected setback when the main server crashed, delaying the project timeline significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The disclosure is an unexpected setback for the company.

The New York Times

The unexpected setback infuriated Erdoğan and led him to escalate the confrontation with the PKK.

The Guardian

"The improvement in volume trends should be viewed favorably following the unexpected setback last quarter," Jain said.

The New York Times

His abrupt withdrawal is an unexpected setback for Mr Obama, who has enjoyed remarkably smooth transition to power.

Independent

The Parliament dealt Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi an unexpected setback that suggested dissent within the ranks of his governing coalition.

The New York Times

Rice's withdrawal came as an unexpected setback for President Obama, who had signaled his intentions of fighting for her nomination.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

REBOUNDS Team officials have set Monday as the target for Baron Davis to start practicing with the team, barring any unexpected setbacks.

The New York Times - Sports

Citing a list of unexpected setbacks to the Canadian economy, the Bank of Canada lowered its key interest rate today for the first time in almost two years.

The New York Times

Though Reed had pruned its admissions list for financial reasons before, it always found a way to help the few students with unexpected setbacks.

The New York Times

Also schedule regular meetings with managers and colleagues to update them on progress and alert them in case of any unexpected setbacks.

The Guardian

The United States Olympic Committee has set 100 medals as its goal, a target presumably put low enough to allow for unexpected setbacks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unexpected setback", ensure the context clearly establishes the original goal or expectation that was disrupted. This provides necessary context for the setback's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "unexpected setback" to describe trivial inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where progress is genuinely hindered in a noticeable way, not for minor delays or easily resolved issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unexpected setback" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unexpected setback" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an unforeseen obstacle or difficulty that hinders progress. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Analysis of usage patterns shows it appears most frequently in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. When writing, it's best to reserve it for situations that genuinely impede progress and to ensure the context establishes the original goal. Alternatives include "unforeseen obstacle", "surprising hindrance", or "unanticipated difficulty", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unforeseen obstacle

Focuses on the obstruction aspect rather than the disappointment of the setback.

surprising hindrance

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the obstruction, using a more general term for impediment.

unanticipated difficulty

Highlights the problematic nature of the event, downplaying the element of obstruction.

sudden reversal

Focuses on the change in direction or outcome, emphasizing the abruptness.

abrupt difficulty

Highlights the problematic nature of the event, emphasizing the abruptness.

unforeseen snag

Implies a minor, unexpected problem that temporarily halts progress.

surprise snag

Implies a minor, unexpected problem that temporarily halts progress, highlighting the surprise aspect.

unexpected glitch

Suggests a small, often technical problem that causes a temporary failure.

sudden hitch

Implies a temporary interruption or problem, emphasizing the suddenness.

surprise obstacle

Highlights the unexpected nature of the obstruction.

FAQs

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

Use "unexpected setback" to describe a situation where progress towards a goal is unexpectedly hindered. For example, "The project suffered an "unexpected setback" when funding was withdrawn."

What are some alternatives to "unexpected setback"?

Alternatives include "unforeseen obstacle", "surprising hindrance", or "unanticipated difficulty" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "unexpected setback" and "unforeseen setback"?

While both phrases are very similar, "unexpected setback" implies a surprise element, while "unforeseen setback" simply means the setback was not anticipated. In most contexts, they are interchangeable.

When is it appropriate to use the term "unexpected setback"?

Use "unexpected setback" when a plan or project experiences an unanticipated problem that delays or prevents its completion. It's suitable for situations ranging from personal endeavors to large-scale projects.