withstand setbacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "withstand setbacks" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing resilience or the ability to endure challenges or difficulties. Example: "Despite facing numerous obstacles, she was able to withstand setbacks and continue pursuing her goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Third, Republicans are putting together pieces of what you might call a resiliency agenda to help families withstand setbacks.

The New York Times

The oldsters on our list have used their time wisely to build up mini empires that can withstand setbacks like global recessions.

Forbes

"We maintain our fortress balance sheet and capital strength to withstand setbacks like this, and we will learn from our mistakes and remain diligently focused on our clients, who count on us every day," Dimon said.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Major goals can withstand interim setbacks.

Harvard Business Review

Long-term goals can withstand minor setbacks, so look at the big picture and give yourself the latitude to make some missteps along the way.

Harvard Business Review

Genentech has about 20 drugs in development, so it can withstand a setback to one of them better than most biotechnology companies.

The New York Times

Absent a sharp worsening of the crisis in Europe, investors were feeling better that the American economy was showing stronger momentum in recent weeks and could be resilient enough to withstand a setback, said Jeff Schwarte, United States equities portfolio manager at Principal Global Investors.

The New York Times

Ms Sturgeon and her party remain sufficiently popular to withstand a few setbacks.

The Guardian - Opinion

"You have to be able to withstand short-term setbacks," said one official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the delicacy of the matter.

The New York Times

If the Mets packed more punch, they might be able to withstand such medical setbacks, but they had just lost a game in which they got six hits and one run against Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw, a 23-year-old left-hander whose stuff was more overpowering than usual.

The New York Times - Sports

To both address areas of disagreement and complaints, as well as pursue common interests and matters of mutual benefit, the EU needs to put in place an institutional framework that can withstand the various setbacks that have, to date, derailed all previous efforts of political dialogue.

European Parliament

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a plan or strategy, using "withstand setbacks" suggests that the plan has built-in resilience and isn't easily derailed by minor issues.

Common error

Avoid using "withstand setbacks" to describe situations where proactive action is required to overcome a challenge. The phrase implies passive endurance rather than active problem-solving. For example, if you actively changed your strategy, you could use "overcome challenges" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "withstand setbacks" functions as a verb phrase where "withstand" is the verb and "setbacks" is the noun serving as the object. Ludwig AI indicates it is used to describe the ability to endure or resist negative events.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "withstand setbacks" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the ability to endure or resist negative impacts while maintaining functionality. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase appears most frequently in news and media, formal business contexts, and academia. While the phrase suggests passive endurance, it's important not to misuse it when proactive action is required. Alternatives like "overcome challenges" or "bounce back" may be more appropriate in those cases. To enhance clarity and precision in your writing, consider the specific context and nuance you wish to convey when choosing between "withstand setbacks" and its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrate resilience

Shifts the focus to the quality of being able to recover quickly from difficulties.

overcome adversity

Emphasizes conquering challenging circumstances, often implying a struggle.

rise above challenges

Focuses on surpassing obstacles and achieving a higher level despite difficulties.

persevere through difficulties

Highlights continued effort and determination in the face of hardship.

endure hardships

Focuses on enduring difficult conditions in general, rather than specific negative events.

remain steadfast despite obstacles

Highlights unwavering commitment in the face of impediments.

bounce back from difficulties

Highlights the recovery aspect, suggesting a return to a previous state after problems.

hold firm against adversity

Emphasizes maintaining one's position or stance when facing challenges.

navigate challenges successfully

Focuses on skillful management and progress through difficult situations.

weather the storm

Uses a metaphor to describe enduring a difficult period, often implying a passive role.

FAQs

How can I use "withstand setbacks" in a sentence?

You can use "withstand setbacks" to describe someone or something that is able to endure and continue functioning despite difficulties or negative events. For instance, "The company's strong financial reserves allowed it to withstand significant setbacks during the economic downturn."

What's the difference between "withstand setbacks" and "overcome setbacks"?

"Withstand setbacks" implies enduring or resisting the negative impact of challenges, while "overcome setbacks" suggests actively working to conquer and move beyond the difficulties. Withstanding is more about resilience, while overcoming is about active problem-solving.

Are there situations where it's better to use "endure hardships" instead of "withstand setbacks"?

Yes, "endure hardships" is better when describing ongoing, difficult conditions in general, whereas "withstand setbacks" is more appropriate when referring to specific negative events or challenges that test resilience.

What are some alternatives to "withstand setbacks" that emphasize active problem-solving?

Alternatives that emphasize active problem-solving include "overcome obstacles", "triumph over adversity", or "rise above challenges". These phrases highlight the active effort required to succeed despite difficulties.