Choose the most appropriate alternative from the options given below to complete the following sentence: Despite several _________ the mission succeeded in its attempt to resolve the conflict. A. attempts B. setbacks C. meetings D. delegations

GATE 2012 · General Aptitude · Most Appropriate Word · easy

Answer: B. setbacks — the mission succeeded despite encountering several setbacks (obstacles/reverses) along the way.

1. Analyze the sentence structure using the contrast word 'Despite': 'Despite [X], the mission succeeded' — X must be something negative or adverse, because 'Despite' implies that X was an obstacle the mission overcame.
2. Match the blank to an adverse noun: A. attempts — neutral; 'despite several attempts, succeeded' is a contradiction rather than a contrast. B. setbacks — adverse; 'despite several setbacks, succeeded' is logically sound and common usage. C. meetings — neutral positive activity; no contrast with success. D. delegations — refers to groups of people, does not create a contrast.