unfortunate setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfortunate setback" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
Example: The team's defeat in the championship was an unfortunate setback for their season.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

A number of factors, all under your direct control, have contributed to this unfortunate setback.

The New Yorker

Harry Reid, the Democratic leader in the Senate, said the supreme court decision was "an unfortunate setback" and completely unexpected.

The Guardian

"While this is an unfortunate setback, I feel grateful that up until now I have remained mostly healthy throughout my career.

Independent

But he's less sure than Mr. Rose about the degree of progress, conceding that recent gains by Denmark's anti-immigrant party "are an unfortunate setback due to all this".

The New York Times - Books

David Davis, who stood against Cameron for the party leadership, said the result was an "unfortunate" setback for the PM but added that Cameron had made "quite a shaky argument" about Assad's responsibility in the attack.

The Guardian

In our view, this is an unfortunate setback due to inappropriate task design and does not refute the core idea of cognitive enhancement.

Trends in Cognitive Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

On the flipside, unfortunate setbacks can turn out to be the best things that happen to us.

BBC

For women, 2014 was a year of great steps forward -- and unfortunate setbacks.

Huffington Post

Before its release, there was the most slender of suggestions that Devil's Third, having overcome so many unfortunate setbacks to even come out, could become something of a cult hit on a system seriously lacking titles that aren't Mario-related in some way.

Vice

According to Conway, it is "courtesy of Dr. Coleman" that her site shows a slide from Coleman's IFGE lecture namely a reproduction of TMWWBQ's cover with the words "Unfortunate Setbacks" added above it (Conway, 2005b).

Archives of Sexual Behavior

"It is unfortunate that, because of setbacks in an unrelated litigation, Dish even suggests that they might deny their customers access to some of their favorite networks and shows that are offered by every other major satellite and cable TV provider," AMC Networks said in a statement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unfortunate setback", ensure the context clearly indicates what the setback is delaying or negatively affecting. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "unfortunate setback" when the situation is truly disastrous or catastrophic. Reserve it for situations that are reversible or represent a temporary hurdle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfortunate setback" functions as a noun phrase that describes a situation or event that has caused a delay or a problem. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in describing unwelcome impediments or delays. Examples show it often modifies business, political or personal situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unfortunate setback" is a commonly used phrase to describe a temporary delay or minor problem. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and versatile, fitting into various contexts from news and science to formal business communications. When employing this phrase, be mindful of the severity of the situation; it is best suited for incidents that are reversible or represent a temporary hurdle rather than a full-blown disaster. Alternatives such as "unfortunate inconvenience" or "minor delay" can also be considered, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfortunate inconvenience

Emphasizes the bothersome nature rather than a serious problem.

painful setback

Highlights the emotional or impactful nature of the setback.

unfortunate drawback

Focuses on the disadvantageous aspect of the situation.

unfortunate hiccup

Suggests a minor and temporary disruption.

bad setback

Uses simpler language to convey the negative impact.

tragic setback

Indicates a deeply sorrowful or grievous event causing the delay.

unfortunate catastrophe

Implies a more significant and devastating event.

unfortunate slump

Implies a decline or downturn, particularly in performance or economy.

unfortunate failure

Focuses on the lack of success or achievement.

unfortunate defeat

Specifically refers to losing in a competition or contest.

FAQs

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

You can use "unfortunate setback" to describe a temporary delay or problem. For example: "The project experienced an unfortunate setback due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to saying "unfortunate setback"?

Alternatives include "unfortunate inconvenience", "painful setback", or "minor delay" depending on the specific context.

Is "unfortunate setback" formal or informal?

"Unfortunate setback" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider the audience and choose a more impactful phrase if the situation warrants it.

What's the difference between "unfortunate setback" and "disaster"?

"Unfortunate setback" suggests a temporary delay or minor problem, while "disaster" implies a severe and often irreparable event. They differ in the degree of impact.