setback

1 of 2

noun

set·​back ˈset-ˌbak 

1

: a checking of progress

2

: defeat, reverse

3

: pitch entry 4 sense 7

4

: a placing of a face of a building on a line some distance to the rear of the building line or of the wall below

also : the area produced by a setback

5

: automatic scheduled adjustment to a lower temperature setting of a thermostat

6

: the distance of a structure or other feature (such as a well or septic system) from the property line or other feature

set back

2 of 2

verb

set back; setting back; sets back

transitive verb

1

: to slow the progress of : hinder, delay

2

: cost

a new suit will set you back $200

Synonyms

Noun

• knock
• lapse
• reversal
• reverse

Examples of setback in a Sentence

Noun

Despite some early setbacks, they eventually became a successful company.

the colonists persevered despite suffering setbacks that would have discouraged lesser souls

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The leadership's decision to stay neutral was a setback for Harris and the Democrats, much to Trump's delight. —David Jackson, USA TODAY, 19 Sep. 2024

August’s significant equity market setback tempered year-to-date returns among the three primary market capitalization performance measures. —U.s. Bank Wealth Management Contributor, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024

Verb

The hole is set back in the timber under a flightline where ducks trade between refuges. —Joe Genzel, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2024

The prime minister of Qatar, a key mediator between the sides, said Haniyeh’s death would set back truce talks. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 31 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1674, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

setback

noun

set·​back ˈset-ˌbak 

: a slowing of progress : a temporary defeat